Retail inflation rate has once again registered an increase in the country. Retail inflation increased to 2.75% in the month of January, which is much higher than the previous month. This rate was 1.33% in December. In this way, the inflation rate has almost doubled and it is considered to be the highest level in the last eight months.
The government gave this information while releasing official figures on Thursday, February 12. This rise in inflation can hit the pockets of common consumers, especially due to the increase in prices of food items and items related to daily needs.
According to the data, earlier in May 2025, retail inflation had reached 2.82%, which was the highest level in recent times. Now the January figure has reached very close to that. Experts believe that prices may remain under pressure in the coming months.
This time the government has also made a major structural change to measure the inflation rate. The base year has been changed from 2012 to 2024. This change has been made after more than a decade, which will make the calculation of Consumer Price Index (CPI) more accurate as per the current economic conditions and consumption patterns. Inflation data using the new base year will better reflect current market realities.
The eyes of economic experts and market analysts were already fixed on these figures. In a survey conducted by international financial news agency Bloomberg, 32 economists had estimated that the inflation rate for January could be around 2.77%. The actual figures released are very close to this estimate, which makes it clear that the market had already sensed the signal of rising prices.
Analysts say rising costs of food items, fuel and services are pushing inflation higher. However, currently this rate is within the target range of the Central Bank, but if this pace continues then interest rates and monetary policy may be affected.
According to economic experts, changes in the base year and latest inflation data may influence policy decisions in the coming months. Controlling prices remains a big challenge for both the government and the central bank.
Overall, this increase in inflation in January gives an important signal to both the general public and the market and can play an important role in deciding the direction of economic policies in the coming times.