• CPI measures price changes paid by ultimate consumers in retail markets.
  • WPI measures price changes in wholesale markets, where goods are traded in bulk.
  • CPI includes inflation in services, while WPI does not.
  • CPI focuses on a basket of goods consumed by retail people.
  • WPI tracks prices the producer gets at factory gate/mandi levels.
  • WPI includes prices of goods only, not services.
  • CPI includes the impact of indirect taxes.
FeatureConsumer Price Index (CPI)Wholesale Price Index (WPI)
MeasuresChange in prices paid by ultimate consumers in retail marketChange in prices in the wholesale market
Includes ServicesYesNo
Published ByNational Statistical Office (NSO)Office of Economic Advisor, DPIIT
Base Year2011-122011-12
Weight of Food45.86% (combined)24.4%
Includes Indirect TaxesYesNo (tracks basic prices devoid of taxes)