CPI Inflation Remains Above RBI's Target Band For Second Straight Month
Retail inflation exceeded the MPC's target for the second straight month.
Retail inflation rose by over 6% for the second straight month, led by costs of food and fuel.
Consumer Price Index inflation stood at 6.26% in June 2021 compared to 6.3% in May, according to data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation on Monday. Inflation in food and beverages rose to 5.58%, compared to 5.24% in May, driven by prices of oils, fats, eggs, pulses and fruits.
A Bloomberg poll of 38 economists had estimated inflation at 6.59% for June 2021.
Inflation has exceeded the Monetary Policy Committee's target of 4 (+/-2)%, for the second straight month, leading to questions over whether the panel can continue with its accommodative stance to help revive growth.
Inflation Internals
Inflation in the meat and fish category was at 4.8% in June compared to 9.03% in May.
Inflation in oils and fats was at 34.8% compared to 30.8% last month.
Inflation in the pulses category was at 10.01% in June compared to 9.4% in May 2021.
Vegetable inflation fell by 0.7% compared to a contraction of 1.9% annually last month.
Clothing and footwear inflation was at 6.2% compared to 5.3% in May.
Housing inflation stood at 3.75% in June compared to 3.86% in May.
Fuel and light inflation stood at 12.68% compared to 11.6% last month.
Inflation in transport and communication was at 11.56% in June compared to 12.4% in May.
Monetary Policy Implications
The CPI inflation for June 2021 offered a modicum of relief, easing marginally from the previous month, despite a pick-up in food inflation and rising retail fuel prices, said Aditi Nayar, chief economist at ICRA. However, following today's CPI inflation print, we expect the inflation forecasts to be revised upwards in the next MPC review, she said.
While interest rates and the monetary policy stance may remain unchanged, an underlying tone of uneasiness in the commentary is likely, Nayar said.
The tussle between supporting the nascent, incomplete revival in growth and preserving the anchoring of inflationary expectations will continue. If the CPI inflation remains entrenched above the 6% upper threshold in the next two prints, a pushing forward of rate normalisation can't be ruled out.Aditi Nayar, chief economist, ICRA
Upasna Bhardwaj, senior economist at Kotak Mahindra Bank, said the MPC is expected to retain its current guidance in the August policy, leaning in favour of growth. Towards the end of the year, gradual policy normalisation will be underway, she said.
High frequency mandi data shows further moderation in food prices in July, signaling a return of sub-6% inflation readings going ahead, Bhardwaj said.