Retail inflation based on Consumer Price Index for agricultural labourers rose to 12.7 per cent in May from 12.32 per cent in April,due to rise in the prices of food items and fuel,an official release said. For rural labourers,it increased to 12.5 per cent in May from 12.15 per cent in April. Point to point rate of inflation based on the CPI-AL and CPI-RL increased from 12.32 per cent and 12.15 per cent in April to 12.70 per cent and 12.50 per cent in May this year, the release said. According to the statement,West Bengal registered the maximum increase of 19 and 20 points,respectively for farm and rural workers,mainly due to increase in the prices of rice,wheat,meat goat,fish fresh,ginger,vegetables & fruits,gur,bidi,firewood,shirting cloth cotton and plastic shoes. Bihar registered a decline of 11 points and 10 points,respectively for CPI-AL and CPI-RL due to decrease in the prices of rice,wheat/wheat atta,maize,onion and vegetable and fruits. The CPI for farm and rural workers in May increased by 8 points and 9 points,respectively at 719 points and 720 points.
