Wholeseale inflation dropped to an 8-month low of 5.05 per cent in January this year, helped by a moderation in food prices. Wholesale inflation had stood at 6.16 per cent in December last year, and at 7.52 per cent in November. Inflation in food articles dropped sharply to 8.8 per cent in January, from 13.68 per cent in December, according to data released today. Vegetable prices rose 16.6 per cent in January, compared with a 57.33 per cent increase in December. Onion prices climbed 6.59 per cent in January, compared with a 39.56 per cent increase in December. Fruits were cheaper, as were protein-rich items such as eggs, meat and fish. Inflation in the fuel and power segment was 10.03 per cent in Jaunuary. And inflation in manufactured products rose marginally, to 2.76 per cent. Data released earlier this week showed that retail inflation declined to a two-year low of 8.79 per cent in January.