India's import of automobiles went up by 77.3 per cent and alcoholic beverages by 32.8 per cent in rupee terms during April-July 2007-08.
The total import of sensitive items rose marginally by 0.9 per cent during the period to Rs 6,356 crore (Rs 63.56 billion) as compared to Rs 6,301 crore (Rs 63.01 billion) during the corresponding period last year.
Automobile import increased to Rs 350.52 crore (Rs 3.5 billion) from Rs 197.75 crore (Rs 1.97 billion), while that of alcoholic beverages rose to Rs 41.78 crore (Rs 417.8 million) from Rs 31.45 crore (Rs 314.5 million), according
to an official data.
However, import of milk and milk products dropped significantly by 65.1 per cent to Rs 6.33 crore from Rs 18.12 crore (RS 181.2 million). Fruits and vegetables import declined by 13.7 per cent to Rs 994.69 crore (Rs 9.94 billion) from Rs 1,152.22 crore (Rs 11.52 billion).
Tea and coffee imports dropped by 17.4 per cent and spices by 0.4 per cent. There was a marginal increase in
edible oil import by 0.1 per cent while cotton and silk import increased by 13.2 per cent. There was a dip in import of wheat flour, sugar and cigar as well.