“This press release is embargoed against publication, telecast or circulation in any media till 12:00 noon today i.e.

14th January, 2019”

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY
OFFICE OF THE ECONOMIC ADVISER

Index Numbers of Wholesale Price in India (Base: 2011-12=100)

Review for the month of December, 2018

The official Wholesale Price Index for ‘All Commodities’ (Base: 2011-12=100) for the month of December, 2018
declined by 1.4 percent to 120.1 (provisional) from 121.8 (provisional) for the previous month.

INFLATION

The annual rate of inflation, based on monthly WPI, stood at 3.80% (provisional) for the month of December, 2018 (over
December, 2017) as compared to 4.64% (provisional) for the previous month and 3.58% during the corresponding month
of the previous year. Build up inflation rate in the financial year so far was 3.27% compared to a build up rate of 2.21% in
the corresponding period of the previous year.

Inflation for important commodities / commodity groups is indicated in Annex-1 and Annex-II.
The movement of the index for the various commodity groups is summarized below:-

PRIMARY ARTICLES (Weight 22.62%)

The index for this major group declined by 1.8 percent to 134.7 (provisional) from 137.2 (provisional) for the previous
month. The groups and items which showed variations during the month are as follows:-

The index for ‘Food Articles’ group declined by 1.4 percent to 144.0 (provisional) from 146.1 (provisional) for the previous
month due to lower price of fruits & vegetables (8%), peas/chawali (7%), condiments & spices (2%) and paddy (1%).
However, the price of betel leaves (14%), arhar (9%), maize and poultry chicken (6% each), gram, fish-marine and urad
(4% each), jowar and masur (3% each), bajra and coffee (2% each) and rajma, pork, moong, fish-inland, barley, ragi and tea
(1% each) moved up.

The index for ‘Non-Food Articles’ group declined by 0.1 percent to 124.5 (provisional) from 124.6 (provisional) for the
previous month due to lower price of guar seed (6%), raw cotton and castor seed (3% each), groundnut seed (2%) and raw
rubber, rape & mustard seed and raw silk (1% each). However, the price of gingelly seed, floriculture and mesta (5% each),
copra (coconut) (4%), safflower (kardi seed) and linseed (3% each), raw jute, skins (raw) and soyabean (2% each) and coir
fibre, raw wool, hides (raw), sunflower and cotton seed (1% each) moved up.

The index for ‘Minerals’ group rose by 7.7 percent to 140.4 (provisional) from 130.4 (provisional) for the previous month
due to higher price of garnet (28%), copper concentrate (21%), manganese ore (9%), iron ore, phosphorite and chromite
(3% each) and bauxite (1%). However, the price of zinc concentrate (30%) and sillimanite (4%) declined.

The index for 'Crude Petroleum & Natural Gas' group declined by 11.9 percent to 91.7 (provisional) from 104.1
(provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of crude petroleum (16%).

FUEL & POWER (Weight 13.15%)

The index for this major group declined by 5.9 percent to 103.5 (provisional) from 110.0 (provisional) for the previous
month. The groups and items which showed variations during the month are as follows:-

The index for ‘Mineral Oils’ group declined by 10.2 percent to 94.7 (provisional) from 105.5 (provisional) for the previous
month due to lower price of naphtha (21%), furnace oil (16%), LPG (13%), ATF (12%), petrol and bitumen (9% each),
HSD (8%), petroleum coke (7%) and kerosene (3%).

MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS (Weight 64.23%)

“This press release is embargoed against publication, telecast or circulation in any media till 12:00 noon today i.e. 14th January, 2019”

The index for this major group declined by 0.4 percent to 118.3 (provisional) from 118.8 (provisional) for the previous
month. The groups and items which showed variations during the month are as follows:-

The index for ‘Manufacture of Food Products’ group declined by 1.0 percent to 127.7 (provisional) from 129.0
(provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of molasses (6%), gur, honey and coffee powder with chicory (5%
each), rice bran oil and palm oil (4% each), powder milk, manufacture of processed ready to eat food and cotton seed oil
(3% each), sugar, butter, other meats [preserved/processed], buffalo meat [fresh/frozen] and castor oil (2% each) and
manufacture of prepared animal feeds, instant coffee, vanaspati, ghee, sooji (rawa), mustard oil, groundnut oil, processed
tea and manufacture of bakery products (1% each). However, the price of wheat bran and manufacture of starches & starch
products (4% each), manufacture of health supplements (3%), gram powder (besan), chicken/duck [dressed-fresh/frozen],
copra oil and bagasse (2% each) and wheat flour (atta) and manufacture of macaroni, noodles, couscous & similar
farinaceous products (1% each) moved up.

The index for ‘Manufacture of Beverages’ group rose by 0.2 percent to 122.0 (provisional) from 121.7 (provisional) for the
previous month due to higher price of aerated drinks/soft drinks (incl. soft drink concentrates) (1%). However, the price of
bottled mineral water and beer (1% each) declined.

The index for ‘Manufacture of Textiles’ group rose by 0.1 percent to 119.2 (provisional) from 119.1 (provisional) for the
previous month due to higher price of manufacture of made-up textile articles, except apparel (4%) and manufacture of
other textiles (2%). However, the price of synthetic yarn (2%) and texturised & twisted yarn and. manufacture of cordage,
rope, twine & netting (1% each) declined.
The index for ‘Manufacture of Wearing Apparel’ group rose by 0.2 percent to 138.4 (provisional) from 138.1 (provisional)
for the previous month due to higher price of leather garments incl. jackets and shawls & scarves [knitted] (1% each).

The index for ‘Manufacture of Leather and Related Products’ group declined by 0.3 percent to 121.1 (provisional) from
121.5 (provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of vegetable tanned leather (6%), belt & other articles of
leather (3%) chrome tanned leather (2%). However, the price of canvas shoes (2%) moved up.

The index for ‘Manufacture of Wood and of Products of Wood and Cork ‘ group rose by 0.3 percent to 133.9 (provisional)
from 133.5 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of timber/wooden plank [sawn/resawn] (4%), wooden
box/crate (2%) and wooden block-compressed or not and lamination wooden sheets/veneer sheets (1% each). However, the
price of particle boards (3%) and wood cutting [processed/sized] (1%) declined

The index for ‘Manufacture of Paper and Paper Products’ group declined by 0.1 percent to 125.2 (provisional) from 125.3
(provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of paper bag including craft paper bag (14%), kraft paper, base
paper, laminated paper and newsprint (2% each) and bristle paper board, duplex paper, hard board and poster paper (1%
each). However, the price of pulp board (6%), paper carton/box (2%) and corrugated sheet box, paper for printing &
writing and corrugated paper board (1% each) moved up.

The index for ‘Printing and Reproduction of Recorded Media’ group rose by 0.7 percent to 147.5 (provisional) from 146.5
(provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of journal/periodical (3%). However, the price of hologram (3d)
(3%) and printed labels/posters/calendars and sticker plastic (1% each) declined.

The index for ‘Manufacture of Chemicals and Chemical Products’ group declined by 0.7 percent to 120.0 (provisional)
from 120.8 (provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of mono ethyl glycol (12%), organic solvent (9%),
acetic acid & its derivatives (8%), hydrogen peroxide (6%), menthol, alkyl benzene, poly propylene (pp), camphor and
phthalic anhydride (5%each), plasticizer, ethyl acetate and printing ink (4% each), creams & lotions for external
application, hair oil/body oil, aniline (including pna, ona, ocpna), acrylic fibre, carbon black, ethylene oxide and alcohols
(3% each), ammonium sulphate, polystyrene [expandable], varnish (all types), epoxy [liquid], fatty acid, insecticide &
pesticide and mosquito coil (2% each) and polyethylene, phosphoric acid, polyester fibre fabric, catalysts, caustic soda
(sodium hydroxide), adhesive tape (non-medicinal), shampoo, rubber chemicals, sulphuric acid, oleoresin, perfume/scent
and polyester chips or polyethylene terepthalate (pet) chips (1% each). However, the price of ammonia gas (13%), powder
coating material, ammonium nitrate, soda ash/washing soda and polyester film(metalized) (2% each) and safety matches
(match box), ammonium phosphate, ammonia liquid, toilet soap, xlpe compound, other inorganic chemicals, superphospate
/phosphatic fertilizer [others], poly vinyl chloride (PVC), fungicide [liquid], mixed fertilizer, gelatine, organic chemicals,
other petrochemical intermediates, amine and liquid air & other gaseous products (1% each) moved up.
The index for ‘Manufacture of Pharmaceuticals, Medicinal Chemical and Botanical Products’ group declined by 0.2
percent to 124.1 (provisional) from 124.3 (provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of vials/ampoule, glass,
“This press release is embargoed against publication, telecast or circulation in any media till 12:00 noon today i.e. 14th January, 2019”

empty or filled and anti-malarial drugs (2% each) and antioxidants and plastic capsules (1% each). However, the price of
anti inflammatory preparation (3%), anti-retroviral drugs for HIV treatment (2%) and sulpha drugs and anti allergic drugs
(1% each) moved up.

The index for ‘Manufacture of Rubber and Plastics Products’ group declined by 0.2 percent to 110.2 (provisional) from
110.4 (provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of plastic button (6%), polypropylene film (4%), plastic bag
and processed rubber (3% each), rubber components & parts, plastic film, plastic tube (flexible/non-flexible) and plastic
components (2% each) and plastic tank, PVC fittings & other accessories, plastic furniture, polythene film, elastic webbing,
rubberized dipped fabric, motor car tyre and thermocol (1% each). However, the price of plastic box/container (3%),
medium & heavy commercial vehicle tyre and rubber tread (2% each) and solid rubber tyres/wheels, rubber moulded
goods, plastic bottle, conveyer belt (fibre based) and acrylic/plastic sheet (1% each) moved up.

The index for ‘Manufacture of Other Non-Metallic Mineral Products’ group declined by 0.3 percent to 115.2 (provisional)
from 115.6 (provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of graphite rod, ceramic tiles (vitrified tiles) and marble
slab (2% each) and clinker, white cement, cement superfine, granite, fibre glass incl. sheet, asbestos corrugated sheet and
glass bottle (1% each). However, the price of ordinary sheet glass and toughened glass (2% each) and plain bricks,
porcelain sanitary ware, poles & posts of concrete and ordinary portland cement (1% each) moved up.

The index for ‘Manufacture of Basic Metals’ group declined by 1.2 percent to 112.5 (provisional) from 113.9 (provisional)
for the previous month due to lower price of angles, channels, sections, steel (coated/not) (4%), alloy steel wire rods,
sponge iron/direct reduced iron (DRI)and mild steel (MS) blooms (3% each), hot rolled (HR) coils & sheets, including
narrow strip, gp/gc sheet, copper metal/copper rings, ferrochrome, aluminium disk & circles, aluminium shapes-
bars/rods/flats, brass metal/sheet/coils, MS pencil ingots, MS wire rods, MS bright bars, pig iron and aluminium powder
(2% each) and aluminium ingot, aluminium alloys, steel cables, cold rolled (CR) coils & sheets, including narrow strip,
ferromanganese, stainless steel pencil ingots/billets/slabs, alloy steel castings, stainless steel tubes, copper shapes-
bars/rods/plates/strips and aluminium castings (1% each). However, the price of steel forgings-rough, stainless steel coils,
strips & sheets, ms castings and cast iron [castings] (1% each) moved up.

The index for ‘Manufacture of Fabricated Metal Products, Except Machinery and Equipment’ group declined by 0.1
percent to 116.1 (provisional) from 116.2 (provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of boilers (5%), steel
door (3%), cylinders and copper bolts, screws, nuts (2% each) and bolts, screws, nuts & nails of iron & steel, aluminium
utensils, hose pipes in set or otherwise and jigs & fixture (1% each). However, the price of forged steel rings (5%), hand
tools and electrical stamping-laminated or otherwise (2% each) and pressure cooker, steel drums & barrels, iron/steel cap,
steel container and stainless steel utensils (1% each) moved up.

The index for ‘Manufacture of Computer, Electronic and Optical Products’ group declined by 0.6 percent to 112.3
(provisional) from 113.0 (provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of sunglasses (4%), colour TV (3%),
electronic printed circuit board (PCB)/micro circuit (2%) and meter (non-electrical) (1%). However, the price of electro-
diagnostic apparatus, used in medical, surgical, dental or veterinary sciences (7%) and scientific time keeping device (1%)
moved up.

The index for ‘Manufacture of Electrical Equipment’ group declined by 0.1 percent to 112.0 (provisional) from 112.1
(provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of jelly filled cables (6%), aluminium wire (3%), refrigerators (2%)
and washing machines/laundry machines, lead acid batteries for vehicles & other uses, transformer, electrical
relay/conductor, aluminium/alloy conductor, generator parts and copper wire (1% each). However, the price of solenoid
valve, fibre optic cables, electric mixers/grinders/food processors and connector/plug/socket/holder-electric (2% each) and
insulator, generators & alternators and air coolers (1% each) moved up.

The index for ‘Manufacture of Motor Vehicles, Trailers and Semi-Trailers’ group declined by 0.8 percent to 112.8
(provisional) from 113.7 (provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of seat for motor vehicles (9%), engine
(2%) and light, medium & heavy commercial vehicles, passenger vehicles and cylinder liners (1% each). However, the
price of crankshaft (3%), axles of motor vehicles (2%) and shafts of all kinds, minibus/bus, filter element and release valve
(1% each) moved up.

The index for ‘Manufacture of Other Transport Equipment’ group rose by 0.3 percent to 112.4 (provisional) from 112.1
(provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of motor cycles (1%). However, the price of scooters (1%)
declined.
The index for ‘Manufacture of Furniture’ group declined by 0.7 percent to 127.5 (provisional) from 128.4 (provisional) for
the previous month due to lower price of foam and rubber mattress (3%) and iron/steel furniture (1%). However, the price
of plastic fixtures (2%) moved up.
“This press release is embargoed against publication, telecast or circulation in any media till 12:00 noon today i.e. 14th January, 2019”

The index for 'Other Manufacturing' group rose by 7.0 percent to 114.6 (provisional) from 107.1 (provisional) for the
previous month due to higher price of gold & gold ornaments (8%), football (5%), silver (2%) and plastic moulded-others
toys and cricket bat (1% each). However, the price of stringed musical instruments (incl. santoor, guitars, etc.) (3%) and
playing cards (1%) declined.

WPI FOOD INDEX (Weight 24.38%)

The rate of inflation based on WPI Food Index consisting of ‘Food Articles’ from Primary Articles group and ‘Food
Product’ from Manufactured Products group increased from -1.96% in November, 2018 to 0.07% in December, 2018.

FINAL INDEX FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER, 2018 (BASE YEAR: 2011-12=100)

For the month of October, 2018, the final Wholesale Price Index for ‘All Commodities’ (Base: 2011-12=100) stood at
122.0 as compared to 121.7 (provisional) and annual rate of inflation based on final index stood at 5.54 percent as
compared to 5.28 percent (provisional) respectively as reported on 14.11.2018.

Next date of press release: 14/02/2019 for the month of January, 2019
Office of Economic Adviser, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, New Delhi,
“This press release is embargoed against publication, telecast or circulation in any media till 12:00 noon today i.e. 14th January, 2019”

Annexure-I
Wholesale Price Index and Rates of Inflation (Base Year: 2011-12=100)
Month of December, 2018
Latest month over
WPI Build up from March Year on year
Commodities/Major month
Weight December-
Groups/Groups/Sub-Groups
2018 2017-18 2018-19 2017-18 2018-19 2017-18 2018-19

ALL COMMODITIES 100.00 120.1 -0.60 -1.40 2.21 3.27 3.58 3.80
PRIMARY ARTICLES 22.62 134.7 -3.16 -1.82 3.62 5.07 3.86 2.28
Food Articles 15.26 144.0 -4.63 -1.44 4.72 4.88 4.72 -0.07
Cereals 2.82 153.1 -0.07 0.26 -2.00 5.88 -3.00 7.59
Paddy 1.43 154.7 -0.27 -0.58 0.74 1.38 3.19 3.97
Wheat 1.03 152.8 0.00 0.39 -2.45 8.22 -8.47 9.61
Pulses 0.64 135.8 -3.83 3.82 -13.64 11.04 -35.19 2.11
Vegetables 1.87 146.6 -22.39 -12.37 50.17 27.26 56.38 -17.55
Potato 0.28 175.0 -1.59 -21.52 29.20 34.10 -8.40 48.68
Onion 0.16 131.3 8.20 -25.31 228.21 -16.53 197.05 -63.83
Fruits 1.60 138.5 -0.62 -1.84 3.23 -9.00 11.99 -3.69
Milk 4.44 143.6 0.00 -0.35 2.71 2.06 3.85 2.43
Eggs, Meat & Fish 2.40 140.3 -2.33 2.11 0.00 5.41 1.67 4.55
Non-Food Articles 4.12 124.5 1.79 -0.08 -2.21 3.66 -0.17 4.45
Oil Seeds 1.12 140.9 1.73 0.14 0.47 1.59 -0.54 8.97
Minerals 0.83 140.4 0.25 7.67 6.45 1.52 7.38 14.89
Crude Petroleum 1.95 83.3 0.71 -15.52 5.98 12.72 3.96 17.49
FUEL & POWER 13.15 103.5 0.95 -5.91 2.03 5.61 8.03 8.38
LPG 0.64 98.0 0.44 -12.89 -2.03 15.16 21.14 6.87
Petrol 1.60 84.2 0.97 -8.48 0.73 -0.36 8.94 1.57
HSD 3.10 94.6 1.52 -8.24 2.59 4.99 12.68 8.61
MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS 64.23 118.3 0.18 -0.42 1.69 2.16 2.79 3.59
Manufacture of Food Products 9.12 127.7 -0.55 -1.01 0.08 -0.16 -0.23 0.24
Manufacture of Vegetable And
Animal Oils and Fats
2.64 114.1 0.90 -2.23 2.86 -2.48 1.27 2.33
Sugar 1.06 112.5 -4.31 -2.17 -4.97 -3.68 0.73 -9.42
Manufacture of Tobacco Products 0.51 149.5 0.40 -0.13 6.75 -0.53 6.30 -1.52
Manufacture of Textiles 4.88 119.2 0.27 0.08 0.27 4.38 2.07 5.30
Manufacture of Wearing Apparel 0.81 138.4 -0.07 0.22 4.28 0.51 4.75 -0.29
Manufacture of Leather and Related
Products
0.54 121.1 1.34 -0.33 0.66 0.58 0.58 -0.08
Manufacture of Wood And of
Products of Wood and Cork
0.77 133.9 0.61 0.30 1.08 1.90 1.39 1.90
Manufacture of Paper and Paper
Products
1.11 125.2 0.51 -0.08 2.51 4.07 3.67 5.56
Manufacture of Chemicals and
Chemical Products
6.47 120.0 0.71 -0.66 1.34 3.90 2.72 6.01
Manufacture of Rubber and Plastics
Products
2.30 110.2 -0.37 -0.18 -1.75 2.42 -0.93 3.09
Manufacture of other Non-Metallic
Mineral Products
3.20 115.2 0.27 -0.35 3.66 1.05 4.04 1.68
Manufacture of Cement, Lime and
Plaster
1.64 112.8 0.35 -0.09 3.93 -0.70 3.74 -0.70
Manufacture of Basic Metals 9.65 112.5 1.58 -1.23 7.64 2.65 11.00 9.33
Mild Steel - Semi Finished Steel 1.27 98.8 1.83 -1.40 4.65 0.71 6.42 4.55
Manufacture of Fabricated Metal
Products, Except Machinery and 3.15
Equipment 116.1 -0.27 -0.09 2.21 3.66 5.02 4.69
Manufacture of other Transport
Equipment
1.65 112.4 0.63 0.27 1.46 1.81 2.01 0.81
“This press release is embargoed against publication, telecast or circulation in any media till 12:00 noon today i.e. 14th January, 2019”

Annexure-II

Trend of Rate of Inflation for some important items during last six months

Commodities/Major Rate of Inflation for the last six months

Weight (%)
Groups/Groups/Sub-Groups Dec-18 Nov-18 Oct-18 Sept-18 Aug-18 July-18
ALL COMMODITIES 100.00 3.80 4.64 5.54 5.22 4.62 5.27
PRIMARY ARTICLES 22.62 2.28 0.88 2.46 3.04 -0.07 2.04
Food Articles 15.26 -0.07 -3.31 -1.42 -0.21 -4.04 -2.10
Cereals 2.82 7.59 7.23 6.24 5.54 5.05 3.51
Paddy 1.43 3.97 4.29 4.08 4.64 4.78 3.96
Wheat 1.03 9.61 9.18 9.49 8.87 8.39 6.38
Pulses 0.64 2.11 -5.42 -13.51 -18.14 -14.12 -17.24
Vegetables 1.87 -17.55 -26.98 -18.35 -4.13 -20.00 -13.58
Potato 0.28 48.68 86.45 94.48 79.89 71.21 75.19
Onion 0.16 -63.83 -47.60 -31.69 -23.74 -25.94 44.20
Fruits 1.60 -3.69 -2.49 0.80 -6.97 -16.40 -8.81
Milk 4.44 2.43 2.78 2.78 2.21 2.86 2.87
Eggs, Meat & Fish 2.40 4.55 0.00 -0.44 -0.44 0.00 0.87
Non-Food Articles 4.12 4.45 6.40 4.14 3.51 2.65 3.96
Oil Seeds 1.12 8.97 10.70 7.50 8.20 10.23 9.86
Minerals 0.83 14.89 6.97 14.80 0.85 7.12 13.14
Crude Petroleum 1.95 17.49 40.06 50.08 56.19 53.47 58.99
FUEL & POWER 13.15 8.38 16.28 18.66 17.30 17.73 18.10
LPG 0.64 6.87 23.22 31.39 33.51 46.08 31.53
Petrol 1.60 1.57 12.06 20.10 17.21 16.56 20.75
HSD 3.10 8.61 20.16 24.14 22.18 19.90 22.84
MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS 64.23 3.59 4.21 4.57 4.13 4.43 4.53
Manufacture of Food Products 9.12 0.24 0.70 1.17 0.86 1.73 1.74
Manufacture of Vegetable And Animal Oils
and Fats
2.64 2.33 5.61 9.49 10.39 11.76 13.50
Sugar 1.06 -9.42 -11.40 -11.44 -12.99 -11.15 -10.51
Manufacture of Tobacco Products 0.51 -1.52 -0.99 0.00 -0.13 0.33 2.82
Manufacture of Textiles 4.88 5.30 5.49 5.77 4.77 4.05 3.88
Manufacture of Wearing Apparel 0.81 -0.29 -0.58 0.29 0.95 1.98 2.14
Manufacture of Leather and Related
Products
0.54 -0.08 1.59 1.25 2.00 1.84 2.49
Manufacture of Wood And of Products of
Wood and Cork
0.77 1.90 2.22 0.61 -0.23 0.83 0.53
Manufacture of Paper and Paper Products 1.11 5.56 6.19 4.44 2.59 3.56 2.86
Manufacture of Chemicals and Chemical
Products
6.47 6.01 7.47 7.69 7.46 6.93 6.48
Manufacture of Rubber and Plastics
Products
2.30 3.09 2.89 2.23 2.14 1.77 2.05
Manufacture of other Non-Metallic Mineral
Products
3.20 1.68 2.30 3.40 3.40 3.95 3.48
Manufacture of Cement, Lime and Plaster 1.64 -0.70 -0.27 -0.26 -0.44 0.09 0.44
Manufacture of Basic Metals 9.65 9.33 12.44 14.00 13.18 13.30 15.57
Mild Steel - Semi Finished Steel 1.27 4.55 7.97 9.52 9.13 8.03 8.50
Manufacture of Fabricated Metal Products,
Except Machinery and Equipment
3.15 4.69 4.50 5.84 5.88 8.56 6.69
Manufacture of other Transport Equipment 1.65 0.81 1.17 1.18 1.73 1.65 1.92