“WPI Inflation Rises to 2.13% in February as Textile Prices Strengthen”
2026-03-16 17:09:26
India's WPI inflation at 2.13% in Feb amid higher textile prices
India’s wholesale price inflation (WPI) rose to 2.13% year-on-year in February 2026, compared to 1.81% in January, driven by higher prices of manufactured goods, food items, and textiles, according to data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
The overall WPI index increased slightly to 158.2 in February from 157.8 in January, while month-on-month inflation stood at 0.25%. The rise in inflation was largely supported by price increases in manufacturing, food products, basic metals, non-food articles, and textiles.
Within the manufacturing sector—the largest component of the WPI basket—the index rose 0.47% month-on-month to 148.2. Out of 22 industry groups, 16 recorded price increases, including textiles, food products, electrical equipment, and chemicals, while five saw declines.
The textiles segment registered a 0.71% monthly rise, taking its index to 141.4 in February. On a yearly basis, textile inflation climbed to 3.29%, up from 2.48% in January, indicating stronger price pressures in the sector.
The wearing apparel category also showed a mild increase, with prices rising 0.13% month-on-month and 2.14% year-on-year.
Among broader WPI groups, primary articles inflation stood at 3.27%, while fluctuations in fuel and manufactured goods further influenced overall price movements.
Overall, the data indicates that producer-level inflationary pressure is gradually building across multiple sectors, particularly textiles and manufacturing.
