Kashmir Impulse Desk
Srinagar, Oct 18
Retail inflation in Jammu and Kashmir rose for a fifth consecutive month in September, reaching 4.27 percent as urban consumers faced higher price increases than their rural counterparts, government data showed.
Inflation in the Union Territory increased from 4.09 percent in August, according to data from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
The rural rate stood at 4.12 percent, while urban inflation reached 4.65 percent.
Prices have risen steadily since April, when inflation was 2.67 percent, reaching 2.84 percent in May, 3.52 percent in June and 3.87 percent in July before the latest increases.
The trend differs from the national pattern, where rural inflation was 6.08 percent in September compared with 4.88 percent in urban areas.
Residents in Srinagar and other urban centres have reported higher costs for vegetables, pulses, poultry and other essential goods.
“The prices of essentials have gone up, and we are hapless,” said Jan Muhammed, a resident quoted in the supplied report.
Javid Ahmad, another Srinagar resident, said rising household expenses were leaving families with less money for savings and other needs.
Jammu and Kashmir meets about 60 percent of its food requirements through supplies from outside the Union Territory, according to figures cited in the report.
Transport, handling and distribution costs add to retail prices, while supply disruptions can push them higher.
Limited local production of some essential commodities and pressure on agricultural land contribute to the region’s dependence on outside markets.
Although horticulture, particularly apple production, is an important part of the economy, the Union Territory relies heavily on external supplies for everyday food items.
National retail inflation also increased, rising to 5.54 percent in September from 4.83 percent in August, according to the figures cited in the report.
Onion inflation climbed to 108.09 percent, while garlic inflation reached 54.62 percent.
J&K’s September inflation rate remained below the national figure.
Average inflation between January and September was 2.97 percent in J&K, compared with 4 percent nationally.
The report said winter could put further pressure on local prices by reducing the availability of some locally grown vegetables and increasing dependence on supplies from outside the region.
The next inflation reading, for October, is scheduled for release on November 12.
