New Delhi, April 13: Jammu and Kashmir recorded a relatively low inflation rate of 2.20% in March 2026, placing it among the lowest inflation states in the country, alongside Mizoram (0.66%), Ladakh (0.94%), Chhattisgarh (1.35%), and Delhi (1.86%), according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data released by the government.
The overall All India inflation stood at 3.40% (provisional) in March 2026, slightly higher than 3.21% recorded in February, indicating a marginal uptick in price pressures across the country. Rural inflation was higher at 3.63%, compared to urban inflation at 3.11%.
The CPI data shows that Jammu and Kashmir’s inflation remains well below the national average, reflecting relatively stable price conditions in the Union Territory compared to several other states such as Telangana (5.83%), Andhra Pradesh (4.05%), Kerala (3.62%), and Maharashtra (3.44%).
National inflation trends
Food inflation at the all-India level stood at 3.87%, while housing inflation remained moderate at 2.11%, suggesting that essential consumption categories continue to drive overall price levels. The government noted that inflation pressures remain uneven across sectors, with some food items witnessing sharp increases while others saw deflation.
Among key food commodities, items such as onion (-27.76%), potato (-18.98%), garlic (-10.18%), arhar dal (-9.56%), and peas/chickpeas (-7.87%) showed negative inflation, indicating price declines. On the other hand, high inflation was recorded in categories such as silver jewellery (148.61%), gold and diamond jewellery (45.92%), coconut copra (45.52%), tomato (35.99%), and cauliflower (34.11%).
State-wise comparison
Among large states and Union Territories (population above 50 lakh as per Census 2011), the highest inflation was recorded in Telangana (5.83%), followed by Andhra Pradesh (4.05%), Karnataka (3.96%), Tamil Nadu (3.77%), and Rajasthan (3.64%).
In contrast, Jammu and Kashmir’s inflation at 2.20% remained significantly lower than the national average, reflecting relatively contained price movement in the region compared to many industrial and high-consumption states.
Data collection and methodology
The CPI data is based on price collection from 1,407 urban markets and 1,465 villages across India, covering all States and Union Territories. The National Statistical Office stated that price collection coverage for March 2026 was nearly 100%, ensuring high data reliability.
The CPI for April 2026 will be released on May 12, 2026.
