On Monday, the Congress party criticised the government over the latest Wholesale Price Index (WPI) data, arguing that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s repeated assurances that “sab changa si” (everything is fine) contrast with the reality that “sab mehenga si” (everything is expensive). The WPI‑based inflation rate rose to 9.92 per cent in August from 9.78 per cent in July, according to government figures released on Monday.
Inflation in the food component climbed to 7.05 per cent in August, up from 6.65 per cent in July. Manufactured goods saw a series‑high WPI inflation of 8.37 per cent, slightly above the 8.29 per cent recorded in July. Fuel and power prices also contributed to the overall rise, reflecting higher costs across food, manufactured items and energy.
In a post on X, Congress general secretary for communications Jairam Ramesh said that the WPI has hovered around 10 per cent for four consecutive months, placing a heavy burden on families. He added that inflation‑adjusted wages have declined steadily, falling 5.7 per cent since April, with rural wages experiencing a 9 per cent drop even in nominal terms. Ramesh reiterated the party’s point that the Prime Minister’s rhetoric of stability masks the widespread cost of living pressures.
Analysts point to the West Asia war and the subsequent blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, through which India imports most of its crude oil, as key drivers of the rising WPI. The conflict has pushed global crude and fertilizer prices higher, creating a spill‑over effect that has elevated food prices across the country.
