Consumer price inflation for agricultural and rural labourers up about 100 basis points in April

Consumer price inflation for agricultural and rural labourers (CPI-AL and CPI-RL) in the country increased to 7.84 per cent and 8.01 per cent, respectively, in April 2012 from 6.84 per cent and 7.19 per cent in the previous month (March 2012) on the back of rising food prices.

Inflation based on food price index of for CPI-AL and CPI-RL stood at 5.30 per cent and 5.64 per cent, respectively, during April 2012.
 
The all-India consumer price index numbers for agricultural labourers and rural labourers (Base: 1986-87=100) increased by 8 points each and stood at 633 and 634 points, respectively, in April 2012, official data released today showed.

While there was a general increase in the index number across the 20 states where data are being collected, the increase varied between 1 and 18 points. While Punjab topped the index table with 711 points, Himachal Pradesh with 523 points was at the bottom of the index.

The index for rural labourers recorded an increase between 2 and 16  points across the 20 states. Punjab with 707 points topped the index table whereas Himachal Pradesh with the index level of 545 points stood at the bottom.

The consumer price index numbers for agricultural and rural labourers in Punjab recorded the maximum increase of 18 points and  16 points, respectively, mainly due to increase in the prices of wheat atta, vanaspati, milk, onion, vegetables and fruits, gur and washing soap.