Retail inflation in February was 8.83 per cent on account of higher prices of protein based items and edible oil products. As per the official data released in New Delhi today, retail inflation, based on the Consumer Price Index, was 7.65 per cent in January. Among other items, only vegetable prices saw a decline of 4.73 per cent over the February 2011 level. During the month, the prices of egg, meat and fish rose by 10.62 per cent, while milk and its products turned costlier by 15.76 per cent, year-on-year.While cereals and products reported a moderate rate of price rise at 2.40 per cent in February, pulses and products saw a rise of 4.17 per cent. Inflation in the oil and fat category shot up by 12.76 per cent and condiment spices became costlier by 8.68 per cent. Prices of fuel, light, clothing, bedding and footwear segments were in double-digits.