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DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS

  • 19 December, 2019

  • Min Read

Disinflation may be a concern for India in new year

Disinflation may be a concern for India in the new year

Syllabus subtopic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.

Prelims and Mains focus: on CPI and WPI, disinflation, stagflation and their role in determining economic performance

News: Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation for November was at 5.5%, while core CPI was at 3.26%. The CPI print, along with the low growth rate, suggests the possibility of sustained high inflation next year.

What is disinflation and why is it bad?

A general reduction in inflation is often termed disinflation. Central banks do want prices to moderate and a temporary reduction in inflation is desired as it can imply a productivity increase. Prolonged periods of disinflation result in a revision of inflation expectations by households and firms, which expect prices to drop further. This results in deferment of spending and investment decisions, which would result in contraction of demand leading to deflationary pressures. Persistent disinflation may result in deflationary cycles, which could cause an increase in leverage for firms, dampening economic activity and job creation.

Is India experiencing a disinflationary phase?

The increased divergence between the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) and CPI should be a cause of concern. But WPI figures suggest the existence of a disinflationary phase as WPI inflation was 5.68% in June 2018 and 0.16% in October 2019. This shows a consistent drop in WPI over 15 months despite some periods of temporary increase. We witnessed a similar increase for November as WPI was 0.58%. But since January, WPI has consistently been below 4%. If WPI figures continue to be below 2% in the first half of 2020, it would demonstrate the extent of weakness in demand that followed the crisis at non-banks.

Why are many people calling it stagflation?

The increase in CPI figures when the economic growth rate slowed to 4.5% in the September quarter has led many people to term it stagflation. Stagflation is a simultaneous increase in inflation and unemployment. However, this increase is because of seasonal factors and inflation is likely to be moderate for a few months.

Onion prices are high, how is inflation ‘low’?

Indeed, onion prices have risen and consumer food price inflation was 10.01%, while CPI was 5.5% for November. Delayed arrival of the new crop and damage to the harvested crop in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh have pushed up onion prices. Over the next few months, food price inflation may moderate and, thus, CPI could be back under 4%. Core CPI is at 3.26%, while WPI has been under 3% since May and under 2% since July. This suggests the bogey of disinflation is real, despite a temporary surge in CPI.

When will CPI inflation start moderating?

Many believe inflation will moderate from March, while others say the ghost of inflation is back. But persistently low WPI and core CPI figures suggest inflation would be back to the 3% level by March. Low commodity prices combined with excess capacity will ensure the bogey of inflation is unlikely to cause concern for a major part of FY21. This open the possibility of more interest rate cuts to revive growth and generate an inflationary impulse.

The differences Between WPI and CPI hat is the C

Bases of Comparison – WPI vs CPI

WPI

CPI

Full Form

Wholesale Price Index

Consumer Price Index

Meaning

It is used to measure the average change in price in the sale of goods in bulk quantity by the whole seller.

CPI is a consumer prices index which measures the change in the price in the sale of goods or services in retail or directly to the consumer.

Published By

WPI is published by the office of economic advisor that Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

CPI is published by Central Statistic Office that Ministry of Statistic and Programme Implementation.

Measured Price By

It is restricted to goods only.

It is both for goods and services.

Measurement of Inflation

WPI measure inflation in the first stage.

CPI measures inflation in the final stage.

Prices Bear By

Prices bear by the manufacturer and the whole seller.

Prices bear by the consumer.

Number of items covered

697

448 for rural and 460 for urban.

Goods and Services Covered

Fuel, power and manufacturing products.

CPI covers education, food, transport, communication, recreation, apparel, housing and medical care.

Base/ Reference Year

The Financial Year

The Calendar Year

Used by

Used by a few countries.

Used by 157 countries.

Date of Release

It releases on weekly basis for primary articles, fuel and power for the rest items in publishing monthly.

It releases on monthly basis.

Source: mint


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