EconomyFriday, 19 June 2026·The Hindu - Economy
WPI inflation hits 9.7% in May 2026; new PPI series launched
Wholesale inflation rose to 9.7% in May 2026 as the Commerce Ministry released a new WPI series and first PPI editions.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In May 2026, India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation rose to 9.7% after the Ministry of Commerce and Industry released a new WPI series with base year 2022-23 and the first Producer Price Index (PPI) editions.
Key specifics
- WPI inflation in May 2026: 9.7%, the highest since at least April 2024 under the new series.
- Base year of the WPI was updated to 2022-23 by the Commerce Ministry in 2026.
- The government said the PPI will replace WPI in 5 years.
- Service PPI covered 7 services: Banking, Securities Transaction, Insurance, Pension Funds, Railways, Passenger Air, and Telecom.
- Crude oil and natural gas inflation jumped to 61.5% in May 2026, driving the overall rise.
Exam lens
Economy and indices question type, WPI 9.7%, base year 2022-23, PPI replacing WPI in 5 years, and the 7 service categories are TNPSC-ready facts.