The Ministry of Labour & Employment (MOLE) has released the All-India Consumer Price Index (CPI) numbers for April 2025, reflecting a marginal rise in the indices for both Agricultural Labourers (CPI-AL) and Rural Labourers (CPI-RL). Both indices rose by one point compared to March 2025.
The CPI-AL increased from 1306 to 1307, while the CPI-RL went up from 1319 to 1320. Despite the month-on-month rise, year-on-year inflation has shown a significant decline. The inflation rate for CPI-AL dropped to 3.48% from 7.03% in April 2024, while CPI-RL fell to 3.53% from 6.96% in the same period last year.
The decline in inflation compared to March 2025 — which recorded 3.73% for CPI-AL and 3.86% for CPI-RL — indicates a softening price environment in rural India.
Below is a breakdown of the General and Group-wise Indices for March and April 2025:
| Group | CPI-AL March 2025 | CPI-AL April 2025 | CPI-RL March 2025 | CPI-RL April 2025 |
| General Index | 1306 | 1307 | 1319 | 1320 |
| Food | 1234 | 1233 | 1241 | 1240 |
| Pan, Supari, etc. | 2138 | 2143 | 2145 | 2152 |
| Fuel & Light | 1400 | 1404 | 1389 | 1393 |
| Clothing, Bedding & Footwear | 1341 | 1344 | 1407 | 1412 |
| Miscellaneous | 1395 | 1405 | 1395 | 1405 |
While most categories saw a slight uptick, the Food index experienced a small decline, suggesting easing pressure on food prices. This could signal relief for rural households whose budgets are heavily food-dependent.
The MOLE continues to monitor inflationary trends, particularly in rural areas, where cost-of-living changes directly affect livelihood and policy planning.
