New Delhi, May 13 -- India's inflation in April climbed to a 13-month high of 3.5% from a year earlier, driven by food prices. Though this was only marginally higher than March's 3.4% reading and undershot economists' expectation of a 3.8% print, there isn't much relief to draw, given the rising trajectory of price levels.

Commodity and freight costs have risen in the wake of supply disruptions caused by the war in West Asia, making food costlier. Food inflation hit 4.2% in April, up from 3.9% in March and 3.5% in February. It is likely to come under further pressure as below-average levels of rainfall predicted this year hurt farm output and supplies.

To the relief of consumers so far, fuel retailers and the government's tax cuts have ...