India’s Wholesale Price Inflation Turns Positive in December as Manufacturing Costs Rise

New Delhi – India’s wholesale price inflation moved back into positive territory in December, reflecting a gradual shift in price trends across key sectors of the economy.

Official data showed wholesale prices rising year on year, marking a change after the previous month’s decline and signalling stabilisation in cost pressures.

The increase in wholesale prices was driven mainly by higher manufacturing expenses across several industries.

Sectors such as machinery, food products, and textiles contributed to the overall rise, indicating steady industrial activity toward the end of the year.

Economists had anticipated a modest increase in wholesale prices, and the actual figure came in above market expectations.

This suggests that demand conditions and input costs remained resilient despite broader global economic uncertainties.

Manufactured products recorded a noticeable rise compared to the previous month, highlighting incremental increases in production-related expenses.

Higher costs of raw materials and intermediate goods played a role in pushing up factory gate prices.

Wholesale food prices remained broadly stable during December after registering a decline in the previous month.

This stability helped contain sharper inflationary pressures and provided balance to the overall price index.

Vegetable prices continued to show a year-on-year decline, although the pace of contraction slowed significantly compared to November.

Improved supply conditions and seasonal factors helped keep vegetable prices under control.

Fuel and power prices posted a year-on-year decline, similar to trends seen in recent months.

Lower energy-related costs helped offset price increases in manufacturing and other segments.

Analysts note that wholesale price inflation remains at a manageable level, offering comfort to businesses and policymakers alike.

Moderate inflation supports planning certainty for manufacturers, traders, and supply chain participants.

The return to positive wholesale inflation reflects a more balanced economic environment rather than sharp price acceleration.

It indicates steady consumption patterns and controlled cost pressures across most sectors.

Wholesale price data is often viewed as a leading indicator for retail inflation and broader economic trends.

Stable wholesale prices can contribute to predictable pricing for consumers over the medium term.

India’s manufacturing sector has shown resilience, supported by domestic demand and gradual improvement in supply chains.

This has helped absorb cost increases without causing excessive price volatility.

The data also highlights the importance of sector-specific trends in shaping overall inflation outcomes.

While some categories experienced upward pressure, others helped moderate the aggregate index.

Market participants will continue to track wholesale price movements for signals on future cost dynamics.

Changes in commodity prices, logistics costs, and global demand will remain key factors influencing inflation.

Economists expect wholesale inflation to remain within a comfortable range in the coming months.

This outlook supports confidence in steady economic momentum and business planning conditions.

Overall, December’s data points to a controlled inflation environment marked by gradual adjustments rather than sharp swings.

Such stability is seen as supportive for growth, investment, and long-term economic resilience.