New Delhi, Aug. 31 -- India's food inflation is undergoing a shift in its composition, with protein-rich items, processed foods and edible oils emerging as major contributors to price pressures, even as the persistence of El Nino conditions raises risks for crop yields and food prices, noted the Monthly Economic Report of August 2026 released by the finance ministry.

Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI)-based inflation rose to 5.52 per cent in July 2026, from 5.32 per cent in June, although the pace of increase moderated compared with the previous two months.

The report said, "The protein-rich items (including fish) and processed food (including sugar, confectionery and beverages) have emerged as the key contributors to food & beverages inf...