New Delhi: GST rate cut has emerged as one of the major steps by the Modi government bringing significant relief to the common people. Due to a sharp fall in the prices of vegetables and pulses the retail inflation rate in September dropped to a 99-month low. In September the Consumer price-based inflation fell to 1.54 percent compared to 2.07 percent in the previous month. This level of inflation is the lowest since June 2017. The National Statistics Office (NSO) released the inflation data on Monday. As per NSO both core inflation and food inflation declined in September 2025 due to a favourable base effect and a drop in the prices of vegetables oils and fats fruits pulses cereals eggs fuel and energy. In September last year the retail inflation rate stood at 9.24 percent. Here are some of the key details: During this period food inflation remained 2.28 percent below zero — the lowest level since December 2018. In August it was 0.64 percent below zero. According to the data compared to a year ago vegetable prices in September fell by 21.38 percent Prices of pulses and related products declined by 15.32 percent. Inflation in edible oils and fatty products stood at 18.34 percent and in fruits at 9.93 percent. The inflation rate for other food items remained under control. Food items account for about 40 percent of the food inflation calculation and they have a significant impact on the overall inflation rate. The new inflation data indicates that after the GST relief implemented on September 22 price pressures have eased and its broader impact may become visible in the coming months. Prices are also expected to remain under control going forward. Prices That Decreased/Increased December 2024 | January 2025 Vegetables: -15.92 | -21.38 Pulses: -14.53 | -15.32 Eggs: +3.12 | +2.76 Spices: -3.24 | -3.07 Cereals: +2.70 | +2.06 Milk & Dairy Products: +2.63 | +2.51 Fruits: +11.65 | +9.93