India’s wholesale price inflation increased to 3.88% in March, marking the fifth consecutive monthly rise, driven by higher prices of fuel, power, and manufactured goods amid ongoing tensions in West Asia.

The Wholesale Price Index-based inflation stood at 2.13% in February and 2.25% in March last year.

According to the industry ministry, the rise in inflation was mainly due to cost increases in crude petroleum and natural gas, along with higher prices of manufactured products, metals, non-food items, and food articles.