El Niño-hit monsoon raises food inflation concerns in India
El Niño-hit monsoon raises food inflation concerns in India
IN · Published Sep 14, 2026
India's cumulative monsoon rainfall is 14.7% below the Long-Period Average (LPA) as of 13 September 2026, with 24 out of 36 meteorological subdivisions recording deficits exceeding 10%.
The El Niño phenomenon, with sea surface temperatures 1.8°C above normal, is suppressing monsoon activity.

Impact & Risks

The monsoon deficit is expected to impact agricultural yields, particularly rice and maize, leading to higher food prices and inflation. Farmers may face challenges due to reduced sowing areas and lower crop productivity. Consumers are likely to experience increased costs for staple foods, while the broader economy may see inflationary pressures driven by supply-side constraints.

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