Onion spoiled the kitchen budget the most in October 2026. Commerce Ministry data shows that onion inflation was 116.22 percent. In September this figure was up to 108.13 percent. Onion remained more than double the cost of a year ago. On the other hand, the prices of potatoes decreased by 14.24 percent on annual basis, which has brought some relief to the people. Potato prices are stable.
Its impact on retail inflation was more visible in villages. In October, inflation in rural areas was 6.63 percent, while in cities it was 5.41 percent. Food inflation also stood at 9.09 percent in villages. In cities it was recorded at 8.68 percent. Across the country, retail inflation was 6.09 percent and food inflation was 8.94 percent.
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Is the inflation gap deep between village and city?
In comparison to September, rural inflation has increased from 6.08 percent to 6.63 percent in October. In cities this rate has increased from 4.88 percent to 5.41 percent. Food inflation in villages has increased from 8.06 percent in September to 9.09 percent. In cities this rate has increased from 7.18 percent to 8.68 percent. Prices increased in both places but the food inflation in villages remained higher than in cities.
The difference is not limited to food and drink only. In 9 out of 12 categories counted in the data, rural inflation was higher than urban inflation. These include food and beverages, clothing-shoes, accommodation and fuel, transportation, information and communications, and restaurants. Apart from self-care, rural inflation was 10.84 percent, while in cities it was 9.24 percent. Inflation in health, education and betel-tobacco was slightly higher in cities.
Along with onion, garlic, ginger and lemon also become expensive
Onion alone has not become expensive. Inflation of garlic was 60.74 percent. In September it was 54.62 percent. Inflation of ginger was 48.32 percent. In lemon, it increased from 36.41 percent in September to 47.30 percent. Inflation in silver jewelery was also recorded at 52.39 per cent, although in September this rate was 87.82 per cent.
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Relief from potatoes and vegetables
Potato being weak in the market is a relief news for common consumers. Potato prices were down 11.52 percent in September, the decline increased to 14.24 percent in October. Many other vegetables also remained cheaper. There was a decline of 10.57 percent in cauliflower, 3.34 percent in brinjal and 1.92 percent in cabbage. Coconut also remained cheaper by 5.60 percent. Despite this, overall food inflation remained at a high level of 8.94 percent.
What is the picture regarding inflation in the states?
Among the states, the highest inflation rate was recorded in Tamil Nadu at 7.29 percent. After this it was 7.26 percent in Telangana and 7.25 percent in Andhra Pradesh. In Uttar Pradesh, rural inflation was 7.20 percent and urban inflation was 4.88 percent. Here the difference between village and city was visible. In Bihar, rural inflation has been 5.79 percent and urban inflation has been 5.18 percent.