Retail inflation hits 6.09% in October, above the RBI's 6% limit
13 November 2026 · 2 min read · HireHo
Based on the MoSPI press release (PIB) and The Tribune, both 12 November 2026. Summarised in our own words.
India's retail inflation rose to 6.09% in October 2026 from 5.54% in September, according to the Ministry of Statistics (MoSPI). This is provisional data on the new base year of 2024. The Tribune reports it is the highest reading since October 2024.
The RBI aims for 4% inflation, with a comfort band of 2% to 6%. At 6.09%, inflation is now just above the upper limit.
What is getting costlier
- Food prices rose 8.94% over last year, up from 7.74% in September.
- Onion is up 116%, garlic 61%, ginger 48% and lemon 47%.
- Restaurants and accommodation: about 10%. Food and beverage serving services: about 10%.
- Rural inflation was 6.63% and urban inflation 5.41%, so villages feel it more.
What got cheaper
Some vegetables fell in price: potato by 14%, cauliflower by 11%, and brinjal and cabbage by smaller amounts. The release does not explain the causes of the rise.
Why it matters for loans
The Tribune says the RBI raised its repo rate by 0.25 percentage points to 5.50% in October. The RBI blames supply pressures such as low onion stocks and uneven rain. The next rate meeting is on 2 to 4 December. Higher rates can raise EMIs on floating-rate loans.
What this means for you
- Daily-wage and low-income families spend most of their pay on food, so they feel this first.
- Expect more workers to ask employers for pay rises or food and travel allowances.
- If you have a floating-rate loan, watch the RBI's December decision.
- The next inflation figure, for November, is due on 14 December.
These are provisional figures and can be revised. Check the MoSPI release for the full tables.