Retail Inflation to Double: New Formula Reveals Rising Prices, Food & Gold Drive Surge

• India's retail inflation estimates will be released for the first time using a new formula, expected to show a significant increase.
• January's retail inflation rate is projected to rise to 2.4%, potentially doubling from December's 1.33% (old series).
• The surge is primarily attributed to rising food and beverage prices, as well as soaring gold and silver prices.
• The new CPI formula reduces the weight of food items to 37% from 46% and expands expenditure categories from 6 to 12.
• E-commerce and digital services, including airfares and telecom plans, will now be tracked in the revised CPI.