ECONOMIC SURVEY:(CHAPTER 4)
INFLATION DYNAMICS
Introduction to Inflation Dynamics
Inflation is a critical economic issue affecting both daily life and long-term economic planning. The persistent inflationary pressures over the past few years have posed significant challenges for policymakers globally. Central banks worldwide are adjusting their monetary policies to balance inflation control with economic growth. In India, the government and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) have taken proactive steps to mitigate inflationary pressures, particularly in food prices
GLOBAL OVERVIEW OF INFLATION TRENDS
- Global Inflation Surge in 2022: Inflation peaked globally at 8.7% in 2022, driven by supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions, such as the Ukraine crisis. This surge significantly impacted the cost of goods and services worldwide.
- Inflation Moderation in 2024: Inflation rates are expected to moderate globally to 5.7% in 2024, indicating a reduction in pressure despite lingering challenges in certain sectors.
- India’s Inflation Trend: In India, retail inflation eased from 5.4% in FY24 to 4.9% in FY25 (April-December). However, food prices remain a challenge due to their substantial weight in the consumer price index (CPI).
ROLE OF FOOD INFLATION IN RETAIL INFLATION IN INDIA
Food inflation plays a crucial role in India’s overall inflation rate, as food accounts for nearly 40% of the CPI. Fluctuations in food prices can heavily influence retail inflation.
- Food Price Volatility: The rise in food prices, particularly for select commodities like cereals, vegetables, and oils, has been a major contributor to headline inflation. However, food inflation is not uniform across all items.
- Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI): This index tracks food inflation specifically and remains a key indicator of overall inflationary trends in India.
GLOBAL INFLATION TRENDS
Global Resilience Amid Tightening Monetary Policies
- Monetary Tightening by Central Banks: Central banks worldwide have increased interest rates to cool inflation, especially in developed economies. Despite these efforts, the global economy has shown resilience with steady output growth.
- Impact on Inflation: Tight monetary policies have had positive effects in reducing inflationary pressures across many countries, reflecting successful disinflationary trends.
Decline in Core Inflation
- Core Inflation Overview: Core inflation, which excludes volatile categories like food and energy, has declined globally due to falling international commodity prices.
- Impact of Policy Measures: Monetary policy interventions, particularly interest rate hikes, have played a critical role in stabilizing prices and preventing further inflation escalation.
Food Inflation Trends: Global Easing with Divergence in Emerging Economies
- Global Food Inflation Decline: Global food inflation has shown a downward trend, driven by improved global supply conditions.
- Emerging Markets Divergence: Countries like Brazil, India, and China have experienced divergent patterns in food inflation due to adverse weather, domestic supply chain challenges, and increased local demand.
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