Bhubaneswar, Oct 13: Consumers in Odisha are facing mounting price pressures, with the State recording 6.70% retail inflation in September 2026, the second-highest rate among major states, according to data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).

Odisha's inflation rate was significantly higher than the national average of 5.54%, highlighting the growing pressure on household budgets. Tamil Nadu topped the list with 6.81% inflation, followed by Odisha at 6.70% and Madhya Pradesh at 6.68%.

Odisha's inflation rises from August

Retail inflation in Odisha increased from around 5.5% in August to 6.70% in September, indicating a sharp rise in year-on-year consumer price pressures.

The latest official data put rural inflation in Odisha at 7.24%, while urban inflation stood at 5.23%. The figures show that price pressures were considerably higher in rural areas than in cities.

The rural inflation rate in Odisha was also above the national rural average of 6.08%, while urban inflation in the State exceeded the national urban average of 4.88%.

Food prices drive inflation

At the national level, retail inflation rose to 5.54% in September from 4.83% in August, while food inflation climbed to 7.74% from 5.97% during the same period.

According to the official data, sharp increases in the prices of essential food items contributed to the rise. Onion inflation reached 108.09% year-on-year, while ginger and garlic recorded inflation of 62.85% and 54.62%, respectively. Lemon prices also registered a substantial increase.

Higher prices of food and beverages, along with increases in transport and other services, have added to the pressure on consumers.

Rural households face greater pressure

The inflation figures indicate that rural households are experiencing a stronger increase in consumer prices than their urban counterparts.

With rural Odisha recording 7.24% inflation, the rise in the cost of essential goods and services is placing additional pressure on household expenditure.

The national trend is similar, with rural inflation at 6.08%, compared with 4.88% in urban areas in September.

Odisha among states with highest inflation

Among major states with populations exceeding 50 lakh, Tamil Nadu recorded the highest retail inflation at 6.81%, followed by Odisha at 6.70%. Madhya Pradesh recorded 6.68%, Telangana 6.64% and Andhra Pradesh 6.29%.

The latest figures underline the pressure that rising prices are placing on consumers in Odisha, particularly those in rural areas. The increase in food prices remains a significant concern as households manage their regular spending on essential goods and services.