Among the food group, ginger, onion and garlic, staples of Indian cuisine, showed the highest inflation at 73.82%, 48.27% and 43.60% respectively. On the other hand, tomato and potato provided some respite, deflating at 31.09% and 13.14% in August, 2026 respectively. Rural India is particularly facing high food prices, with Food inflation touching 6.13%.

With costs of staple food items skyrocketing, the cost pressures on the food and beverage industry, including food processing and restaurant and other services are imminent says Mr. Rajeev Juneja, President, PHDCCI.

Personal care, social protection and miscellaneous goods and service saw the highest jump in inflation rate to the tune of 15.21% among all divisions in August, 2026. Driven primarily by costlier imports of silver and gold raising jewellery prices. Silver Jewellery prices saw a 107.11% increase and Gold/Diamond/Platinum Jewellery 35.53% in August, 2026.

Demand for precious metals is going to take a hit during the upcoming festival and wedding season in coming months if prices remain elevated. The Public’s decision to spend on durable goods in coming months will set the expectations for inflation impacting Personal Consumption Expenditure going forward, said Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, SG & CEO, PHDCCI”.