{
  "id": 12085871,
  "title": "Economists map the road to cheaper food in India",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/economists-map-the-road-to-cheaper-food-in-india",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-10-05T04:38:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Economic Times",
    "slug": "the-economic-times",
    "url": "https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/indicators/food-inflation-india-2026-when-will-food-prices-fall-economists-weigh-on-double-trouble-at-the-dinner-table/articleshow/134611076.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Rising food prices in India are a gradual increase felt by households over time. Factors such as higher onion prices, cooking oil costs, and pulse price rises contribute to more expensive grocery bills. However, some items like tomatoes and potatoes have seen declining prices. In August, onion prices jumped 48.27% year-on-year, while other vegetables experienced price reductions. Overall food inflation rose to 5.95% in August from 5.52% in July, with headline consumer price inflation climbing to 4.82% from 4.45%. The next few months will determine if food inflation eases.\n\nEconomists expect food inflation to remain high through the coming months. Vikram Chhabra, a senior economist at 360 ONE Asset, anticipates food inflation to rise from around 6% in August to 7-8% over the next few months, meaning grocery bills may not ease in the near term. Other economists share this view, with ICRA's chief economist, Aditi Nayar, predicting food inflation to exceed 7% by October 2026 and stay above 5% for the rest of the financial year. Risks are mostly tilted to the upside, owing to uneven monsoon distribution and uncertainty over its impact on crop output.\n\nA broader easing in food inflation is more likely from late 2026 into early 2027, assuming Kharif output and market arrivals remain healthy. The timing and quality of the next harvest will be crucial in determining when households can expect relief. If supplies improve, some of the current pressure can be alleviated; otherwise, households may face another round of elevated prices. The onion price spike, while a major factor, is just one part of the problem.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}