Inflation Falls in Northeast, Tripura Still Most Expensive State

Agartala: The cost of living in Northeast India is showing signs of relief, with most states experiencing a decline in inflation. However, Tripura continues to have the highest CPI in the region, making it the most expensive state in the Northeast. The latest official data highlights how prices are shifting across different states.

According to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for January 2025, Tripura’s combined CPI stood at 208.2, down from 216.5 in December 2024, reflecting a 3.84% decline. Despite this drop, the state still holds the highest price index in the region, meaning consumers in Tripura continue to face higher costs compared to other Northeast states.

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The official report indicates that most Northeast states witnessed a decline in price levels. Manipur (-7.98%) and Mizoram (-7.66%) recorded the sharpest CPI declines, signalling significant price corrections. Nagaland (-3.65%) and Sikkim (-3.40%) also saw notable decreases, while Assam (-1.25%) and Arunachal Pradesh (-0.75%) experienced minor declines. In contrast, Meghalaya (+0.72%) was the only state where CPI increased, suggesting that inflationary pressures persist there.

While the Northeast region as a whole has seen some relief from inflation, the report states that Tripura’s cost of living remains significantly higher than its neighbours. This persistent high CPI suggests that prices for essential goods and services in the state are not declining as rapidly as in other parts of the region.

Experts believe that the overall CPI trend indicates a cooling of inflationary pressures, but disparities remain. “Most Northeast states experienced a decline in CPI in January 2025, reflecting a broader trend of easing inflation in the region,” the report stated. However, Tripura continues to be an outlier, maintaining the highest CPI despite the recent decline.

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The data further underscores that while price moderation is visible, regional variations in inflation persist. With Meghalaya showing a CPI increase and Tripura continuing to have the highest price index, economic conditions across the Northeast remain uneven.

As policymakers and economists analyze these trends, the focus will be on ensuring sustained relief for consumers. The report suggests that further interventions may be necessary to address high CPI levels in states like Tripura and Meghalaya, helping to balance economic stability across the Northeast. Despite some progress, Tripura remains the most expensive state in the region, making it a crucial area for future inflation control measures.