Food Inflation fell sharply to a six-year low of 0.42 per cent in the week ended December 17th.

As measured by the Wholesale Price Index, Food inflation stood at 1.81 per cent in the previous week. It was recorded at 15.48 per cent in the corresponding week of 2010.

According to official data released today, onions grew cheaper by 59.04 per cent year-on-year during the week under review, while potato prices were down by 33.76 per cent.

Prices of wheat also fell by 3.30 per cent. Overall, vegetables became 36.02 per cent cheaper. However, other food products grew more expensive on an annual basis, led by protein-based items.

Pulses became 14.07 per cent costlier during the week under review, milk grew dearer by 11.30 per cent, while eggs, meat and fish by 11.56 per cent. Fruits also became 8.46 per cent more expensive on an annual basis, while cereal prices were up 2.15 per cent.

Inflation in the overall primary articles category stood at 2.70 per cent, as against 3.78 per cent in the previous week.