Inflation based on the wholesale price index (WPI) remained unchanged at 6.09% for the week ended April 14. The annual rate of inflation stood at 3.7% in the corresponding period last year. "Inflation will hover around 6% for the next couple of weeks before starting to decline in June," D K Joshi, principal economist, Crisil said.When asked what will drive the decline, Joshi said: "Both primary articles and manufactued products will contribute to the decline. Due to the harvesting season, prices of primary articles will come down. The appreciating currency and the monetary measures taken by the Reserve Bank of India will also have its positive impact on the prices of manufactured products."A review of the latest inflation data shows decline in prices of eggs and barley by 3%, fruits and vegetables by 2%, and urad and pork by 1%.Articles in the manufactured products category that saw prices decline include coconut oil (down 4%) and mustard oil (down 1%). Cement prices increased 0.6% during the week under review.
