In August 2023, the All-India Consumer Price Index for Agricultural and Rural Labourers (Base: 1986-87=100) rose by 9 and 8 points, reaching 1224 and 1234 points, respectively. The increase was primarily driven by a surge in food prices, including rice, wheat atta, pulses, milk, meat-goat, sugar, gur, chillies-dry, turmeric, garlic, onion, and mixed spices.
State-wise, the index varied, with Tamil Nadu topping the Agricultural Labourers’ index at 1423 points, while Himachal Pradesh was at the bottom with 942 points. For Rural Labourers, Andhra Pradesh led with 1412 points, and Himachal Pradesh was at the lowest with 1003 points.
The highest point-to-point inflation rates based on CPI-AL and CPI-RL in August 2023 were 7.37% and 7.12%, respectively, compared to 7.43% and 7.26% in July 2023. Food inflation stood at 8.89% and 8.64% in August 2023, compared to 8.88% and 8.63% in July 2023.
All-India Consumer Price Index Number (General & Group-wise):
| Group | Agricultural Labourers | Rural Labourers | ||
| July, 2023 | August, 2023 | July, 2023 | August, 2023 | |
| General Index | 1215 | 1224 | 1226 | 1234 |
| Food | 1152 | 1164 | 1158 | 1170 |
| Pan, Supari, etc. | 1992 | 1994 | 2002 | 2004 |
| Fuel & Light | 1304 | 1303 | 1295 | 1295 |
| Clothing, Bedding &Footwear | 1258 | 1253 | 1302 | 1300 |
| Miscellaneous | 1266 | 1272 | 1271 | 1276 |
The CPI – AL and RL for the month of September, 2023 will be released on 20th October, 2023.