Inflation likely accelerated to a six-month high in Dec: Reuters poll

The January 4-7 survey of 41 economists showed Indian retail inflation rose to 5.80% last month from 4.91% in November.

Higher telecommunications charges, along with a comparatively low base one year ago, likely drove Indian retail inflation to a six-month high in December, a Reuters poll found, keeping alive expectations for an interest rate rise by mid-year.

The Jan. 4-7 survey of 41 economists showed Indian retail inflation rose to 5.80% last month from 4.91% in November, spending more than two years above the Reserve Bank of India's medium-term target of 4.0%.

If realised, it would be the highest since June 2021. Estimates ranged between 4.70% and 6.30%, including seven respondents who predicted it would be above the RBI's upper tolerance limit