The year-on-year inflation based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for February 2026 over February 2025 is 3.21%, according to data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). Corresponding inflation rates for rural and urban areas are 3.37% and 3.02%, respectively.
CPI inflation increased by 47 basis points from 2.74% recorded in January 2026.
The year-on-year inflation rate based on the All India Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) for February 2026 over February 2025 is 3.47%. Corresponding inflation rates for rural and urban areas are 3.46% and 3.48%, respectively.
A month-on-month decrease of over 10% was observed in the indices of tomato, peas and cauliflower in February 2026 compared with January 2026, according to the data.
In terms of housing inflation, the year-on-year rate for February 2026 stood at 2.12%. The corresponding inflation rates for rural and urban areas were 2.43% and 2.00%, respectively.
The data showed that inflationary pressures remained uneven across consumption categories, with essential goods such as food and beverages registering a 3.35% increase, while education services saw prices rise by 3.33%.
Among other key categories, paan, tobacco and intoxicants recorded inflation of 3.49%, while clothing and footwear prices rose by 2.81%.
The restaurants and accommodation services segment reported an inflation rate of 2.73%, reflecting moderate price pressures in hospitality services.
Inflation in recreation, sports and culture stood at 2.21%, while healthcare costs rose 1.90% during the period under review.
Meanwhile, prices in the housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels category increased by 1.52%, while furnishings and household equipment registered inflation of 1.40%.
The information and communication category saw marginal price growth of 0.25%, indicating relatively stable costs in digital and telecom services.
Notably, the transport segment recorded a slight decline in prices, with inflation at (-) 0.05%, suggesting easing fuel or mobility-related costs during the period.