How to Calculate the Inflation Rate in India?

By Balaji

Updated on: February 17th, 2023

The inflation rate can be calculated in India with the help of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the Wholesale Price Index (WPI). A slow rise in the cost of goods and services is referred to as inflation. A country’s economy is in danger when inflationary pressures are present, but negative inflation, also known as deflation, is a much more serious issue.

Table of content

1. Steps to Calculate the Inflation Rate In India
2. How to Calculate the Inflation Rate in India?

Steps to Calculate the Inflation Rate In India

A level of inflation that is neither too hot nor too cold is needed to encourage spending among businesses and consumers and establish a baseline for economic growth. Price indices are used in India to calculate inflation and deflation by tracking changes in the prices of goods and services.

The increase in food, fuel, and other good prices is taken into account when calculating the headline inflation rate, also known as headline inflation.
If consumers spend more of their money on a product, the weight of that product is higher when measuring inflation.
For example, food and gasoline are weighted more heavily in the calculation of inflation because they are more expensive for households than shaving cream or postcards.
Inflation is more affected bychanges in food or fuel prices.
High inflation can affect the economy by reducing purchasing power; low inflation can also hamper growth by holding too much money in savings accounts as consumers delay spending and wait for their dollars to rise.
An optimal inflation rate encourages people to spend now rather than save later, resulting in proper economic development.

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