Retail inflation in India increased to 5.21% in December, from November’s 4.88%, hitting a 17-month high due to rising food, housing and fuel costs.
While the inflation in food and beverages segment increased to 4.85%, from 4.41%, that in the housing segment rose to 8.25%, from 7.36% between November and December.
The high inflation is expected to keep the Reserve Bank continue its cautious monetary stance.
Meanwhile, official data also show that the growth in industrial output increased in November to a 25-month high of 8.4% as manufacturing, construction, and consumer non-durables sectors saw a robust performance.
