Consumer price-based inflation (CPI) in April eased slightly to 4.83% from 4.85% in March, attributed to declines in petroleum-related commodities. However, food inflation remained high at 8.7%. Year-on-year, inflation in April 2024 was at 4.7%, with food inflation lower at 3.84%. Core inflation also decreased to 3.2%, the lowest since the 2012 base CPI series. Experts anticipate inflation to hover around 5.0-5.1% in the next month. Despite robust Rabi production, uncertainties persist due to fluctuating vegetable prices and climate shocks. Geopolitical tensions and commodity price volatility pose upside risks, while monetary policy is expected to exert downward pressure on core inflation.