The Office of Economic Adviser (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has released the Index Numbers of Wholesale Price in India for February 2026. The latest data reveals a notable uptick in wholesale inflation, which climbed to 2.13%, up from 1.81% in January. This shift reflects growing “cost-push” pressures within the Indian economy, a critical trend for both market analysts and competitive exam aspirants to monitor.
⚡ Quick Bite: India WPI Inflation February 2026
The Headline: Wholesale inflation hits a 4-month high of 2.13%, up from 1.81% in January.
📊 The Numbers at a Glance
- WPI General: 2.13% (Rising)
- Food Index: 1.85% (Rising)
- Manufacturing: 2.92% (Rising)
- Fuel & Power: -3.78% (Deflation narrowing)
🔍 3 Facts for Aspirants
- Base Year Difference: WPI still utilizes the 2011-12 base, whereas the revised CPI now operates on a 2024 base.
- The Divergence: CPI (3.21%) remains higher than WPI (2.13%) because retail prices include services and carry a heavier weight for food.
- The Driver: A massive 25.38% spike in oilseeds pushed “Primary Articles” inflation significantly higher this month.
Data Table: February 2026 vs. January 2026
Using the Base Year 2011-12, here is the breakdown of the major commodity groups:
| Commodity Group | Weight (%) | WPI Index (Feb 2026) | Inflation (Feb 2026) | Inflation (Jan 2026) |
| All Commodities | 100% | 158.2 | 2.13% | 1.81% |
| Primary Articles | 22.62% | 192.9 | 3.27% | 2.21% |
| Fuel & Power | 13.15% | 147.6 | -3.78% | -4.01% |
| Manufactured Products | 64.23% | 148.2 | 2.92% | 2.86% |
| WPI Food Index | 24.38% | 192.9 | 1.85% | 1.41% |
Section on WPI vs. CPI: Understanding the 2011-12 vs. 2024 Base Year
For exam purposes, it is vital to note the structural differences between India’s two primary inflation indices. While WPI remains on the 2011-12 series, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has been modernized to a 2024 base to better reflect contemporary consumption habits, such as increased spending on digital services and transport. Click Here to Read Detailed Post
| Feature | Wholesale Price Index (WPI) | Consumer Price Index (CPI) |
| Feb 2026 Rate | 2.13% | 3.21% |
| Base Year | 2011-12 | 2024 |
| Released By | Office of Economic Adviser (DPIIT) | National Statistical Office (NSO) |
| Focus | Goods at the wholesale level | Goods & Services at retail level |
| Weightage | High weight for Manufactured Goods | High weight for Food & Beverages |
Key Takeaway: The divergence between the two indices is largely due to the Service Sector. CPI includes services like housing and health, which are absent from WPI. Additionally, food inflation impacts CPI more heavily as it accounts for nearly 46% of its basket, compared to approximately 24% in WPI.
Source: For the official press release, refer to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry via PIB Release ID: 2240515.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the current Wholesale Price Index (WPI) in India?
As of February 2026, the annual rate of inflation based on the All India WPI stands at 2.13% (Provisional), up from 1.81% in January.
2. Who releases the WPI data in India?
The data is compiled and released monthly by the Office of Economic Adviser, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
3. What is the Base Year for WPI and CPI in 2026?
The WPI uses the 2011-12 base year, while the CPI has been updated to the 2024 base year.
4. Why is WPI inflation rising while Fuel & Power is in deflation?
Despite a -3.78% deflation in Fuel & Power, the overall index rose due to a sharp 25.38% spike in oilseed prices and rising costs in Manufactured Products.
5. Which commodity group has the highest weightage in WPI?
Manufactured Products holds the highest weightage at 64.23%, making it the primary driver of the general index.
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