India’s wholesale price inflation increased to 2.13 percent in February 2026, up from 1.81 percent in January, according to provisional government data based on the All India Wholesale Price Index (WPI). The rise reflects a moderate increase in prices at the wholesale level, mainly driven by higher costs of manufactured goods, textiles, food items and basic metals.
The WPI tracks price movements of goods sold in bulk before they reach consumers and is considered a key indicator of inflation trends in the economy. The February inflation figure of 2.13 percent has been calculated on a year-on-year basis compared with February 2025.
Manufacturing Sector Pushes Inflation Higher
The manufacturing sector remained the main contributor to the rise in wholesale inflation. The index for manufactured products increased to 148.2 in February from 147.5 in January, resulting in an annual inflation rate of 2.92 percent.
Prices increased across several manufacturing categories including food products, textiles, electrical equipment, chemicals and other industrial goods. Out of the 22 manufacturing groups, 16 recorded price increases, while five groups witnessed declines.
However, some sectors saw price corrections during the month. Declines were recorded in categories such as basic metals, computer and electronic products, fabricated metal products, wood products and leather goods compared with January.
Fuel and Power Index Records Monthly Rise
The fuel and power index also increased during February. It rose to 147.6 from 145.9 in January, marking a 1.17 percent month-on-month rise.
This increase was largely attributed to higher prices of mineral oils. Despite the monthly rise, the fuel and power category continued to remain in negative territory on a yearly basis, with inflation recorded at minus 3.78 percent.
Electricity prices, however, recorded a slight decline during the month.
Primary Articles Show Mixed Trend
The primary articles index recorded a small decline in February. It slipped to 192.9 from 193.9 in January, showing a 0.52 percent month-on-month fall.
Prices of food articles and minerals declined during the period, while crude petroleum, natural gas and non-food articles registered price increases.
Among food items, vegetables, onions and potatoes recorded sharp price drops. At the same time, fruits and milk saw moderate price increases.
Food Index Movement
The WPI food index also declined slightly during February. It dropped to 192.9 from 194.2 in January. However, on a yearly basis, food inflation rose to 1.85 percent, indicating some upward pressure in food prices compared to the previous year.
Overall Wholesale Prices Rise Slightly
On a month-on-month basis, the overall Wholesale Price Index increased by 0.25 percent in February, indicating a mild upward movement in wholesale prices.
The government releases WPI inflation data every month. The next update for March 2026 is scheduled to be released on April 14, which will provide further insight into price trends across the Indian economy.
