India’s retail inflation hits 4.8% in August, rises for 10th straight month

People shop pulses at a market in Siliguri, India, on August 28, 2026. Nurphoto | Nurphoto | Getty ImagesIndia's consumer price inflation rose to 4.82% in August from 4.45% in July, adding to pressure on the country's central bank to raise key benchmark rates.The headline inflation number was slightly above economists' expectations for a 4.80% rise, according to a Reuters poll. Inflation has been on the rise for 10 straight months in the world's fastest-growing economy, according to data from LSEG.India's food inflation climbed to 5.95% in August from 5.52% a month ago, India's Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation said in a Monday release. Goods transport service inflation rose the sharpest to over 14% in August, while personal transport inflation rose over 7%, the release said. India is among the countries most vulnerable to the supply disruptions caused by the Iran war. It imports nearly 85% of its fuel needs and relies on the energy supply chain through the Strait of Hormuz. Global oil prices have soared past $100 a barrel and rose further on Monday after Saudi Arabia closed a key East-West energy pipeline following damage from a drone attack.Despite rising food and...