Regional Inflation Disparities and Industrial Growth Paint Complex Picture for India's Economy

In June 2024, inflation in 12 out of 22 Indian states exceeded the national average of 5.1%, with Odisha hitting a high of 7.22%. Concurrently, industrial production surged to a seven-month high. The urban-rural divide persisted, driven by rising food prices. Global trends may influence future policy actions.

India's inflation landscape exhibited significant regional disparities in June 2024, with 12 out of 22 states reporting inflation rates higher than the national average of 5.1%, according to SBI research. Odisha led with an inflation rate of 7.22%, closely followed by Bihar's 6.37% and Karnataka's 5.98%. This divergence underscores regional economic inequalities as the nation faces escalating prices.

Meanwhile, the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) hit a seven-month high of 5.9% in May, signaling strong growth in mining (5.9%), manufacturing (4.6%), and a substantial uptick in electricity production (13.7%). These contrasting trends highlight the complex interplay between inflation and industrial activity across India.

The urban-rural inflation divide persisted, with rural inflation climbing to 5.66% and urban inflation at 4.39% in June. This gap is attributed to higher food prices and a heavier reliance on food items in rural consumption (54.2%) compared to urban areas (36.3%).

(With inputs from agencies.)