Inflation rose to 5.43 per cent, just short of this fiscal's highest at 5.44 per cent, during the week ended December 16 as against 5.32 per cent in the previous week as essential food items like wheat, bajra and arhar and some manufactured goods became dearer.
Inflation had stood at 4.62 per cent during the corresponding week of the previous year.
Wholesale prices-based inflation has been staying above the five per cent mark for about last two-and-a-half months.
Before this, inflation had touched its highest level of 5.44 per cent this fiscal on June 17, which prompted the government to relax imports of wheat, pulses and sugar, besides banning exports of sugar to augment supply of these essential commodities.
Do you want to discuss stock tips? Do you know a hot one? Join the Stock Market Discussion Group