LPG, fruit, meat prices rise despite weekly inflation decline

LPG, fruit, meat prices rise despite weekly inflation decline

Weekly inflation dips but bananas, LPG, beef, powdered milk get costlier. File photo

February, 27 2026

(Web Desk): LPG, Fruit and and meat prices rose even as weekly inflation declined 0.54 percent, showing mixed trends in essential items.

Weekly inflation, measured by the Sensitive Price Indicator, fell by 0.54 percent for the week ended February 26, 2026. The SPI dropped to 333.86 points from 335.67 points a week earlier, reflecting the impact of government efforts to stabilise prices.

However, on a yearly basis, inflation increased by 4.23 percent. The SPI tracks 51 essential items across 17 urban centres, covering different income groups.

For the lowest income group up to Rs17,732, the index decreased by 0.71 percent, offering slight relief. Other consumption groups including Rs17,733–22,888, Rs22,889–29,517, Rs29,518–44,175 and above Rs44,175 also recorded small declines.

Out of 51 items, prices of 14 items decreased while 13 items increased and 24 remained stable. Tomatoes, potatoes, chicken, onions, eggs, wheat flour, bread and sugar became cheaper due to improved supply.

But some key items became more expensive. Bananas rose by 4.49 percent, LPG increased by 0.86 percent, mutton climbed 0.63 percent, beef went up 0.25 percent, powdered milk rose 0.26 percent, garlic increased 0.81 percent and pulse masoor edged up 0.47 percent.

On a yearly basis, gas charges for Q1 increased by 29.85 percent and electricity charges for Q1 went up by 17.33 percent. Wheat flour, tomatoes, LPG, bananas, beef and mutton also showed notable annual increases.

Officials say better supply management and monitoring are helping control prices.

The overall decline looks positive. But rising prices of daily use items still worry people. Small increases in food and fuel can affect household budgets. If supply improves further, prices may stabilise more in coming weeks.