In inflation’s shadow

sfg-2026
ForumIAS LATEST
      1. SFG FRC 2027 | Program starts from 19th Dec. 2026 | Admissions open for Entrance Test Click Here to know more →
      2. Prelims Test Series (PTS) for Prelims 2027 starts 11th Oct. 2026 Click Here to know more →
      3. [Pre-order] Ethics Redbook 3rd Edition: Delivery starts from 10th October onwards Click Here to Read More →
      4. 21 Sept. | GS Advance Program (GSAP) for UPSC 2027 Mains starts from 11th Oct. Click Here to Read More →

In inflation’s shadow

Context:

The RBI has stressed the need for vigilance on price stability amid inflationary risks

What has happened?

  •  RBI has held the policy repo rate at 6% citing risks of inflation.
  • In December, The RBI had made a projection for inflation in the range of 4.3-4.7% in the six months through March 2018.
  • With pump prices of petrol and diesel having risen sharply in January, the RBI has now been forced to raise its estimate for retail price gains in the fourth quarter to 5.1%.

Inflation scenario:

The inflation scenario has been getting more worrying. These include the staggered impact of:

  • HRA increases by various State governments that may induce second order effects on prices;
  • the pick-up in global growth, a factor the RBI also cites as a positive for the economy,
  • push up crude oil and commodity prices worldwide;
  • the Budget’s proposed changes to the minimum support price norms for crops as well as the proposals to increase customs duty on a range of goods; and
  • the fiscal slippage, which could not only fan inflation but also risks increasing borrowing costs
Print Friendly and PDF
Blog
Academy
Community