Inflation at 15-month low of 3.94%

Inflation based on the wholesale price index (WPI) declined to below 4% for the first time in more than 15 months to 3.94% for the week ended August 18 as against 4.10% in the previous week.

Before the week under review, inflation was below this level only during the week ended April 29, 2006.

The latest number also assumes importance as it was 5.12% in the corresponding period last year.

Although prices of essential food items like vegetables, fruits, milk, eggs, meat and fish increased, prices of most manufactured products and non-food primary articles declined.