New Delhi, Feb. 13 -- The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is expected to remain below the 4 per cent target level even under the new series due to a fine balancing of weights, according to a report by Bank of Baroda.

The report noted that the new series is pragmatic as it captures the evolving consumption curve of India. The changes in data coverage and methodology will ensure that headline CPI, which is the crucial target variable for monetary policy decisions, remains contemporary and aligned with international practices.

It stated "with fine balancing of weights in the new CPI series, we expect it to be within the targeted 4+/-2 per cent level"

As per the report, the January 2026 reading of headline CPI came in at 2.8 per cent, in line w...