The Indian Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is actively working to integrate e-commerce data into the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This initiative involves collaborations with global organizations such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD) to ensure a robust and accurate methodology.

Consultations and Data Integration

Ongoing discussions with e-commerce companies and the consideration of scanner data are central to this effort. Scanner data, which includes detailed information on consumer purchases recorded by retailers, is being evaluated for its potential to enhance the CPI's representativeness. A senior official from MoSPI stated, "We are in touch with the UNSD, the World Bank, and the IMF since this is a relatively new area. Through these institutions, we are also engaging with other countries. Few nations have incorporated it, and we will likely be the leading ones."

International Collaboration

MoSPI is engaging with countries that have made progress in this field, notably Australia, through collaborations facilitated by the World Bank and the UN. These partnerships aim to leverage international best practices and insights. Additionally, domestic research institutions have been assigned to study the inclusion of e-commerce data in the CPI, ensuring a comprehensive approach.

Revised CPI Series and Timeline

The revised CPI series is anticipated to be ready by the second half of the year and is scheduled for official release in January 2026. To facilitate a seamless transition, the new and existing CPI series will run concurrently during a pilot phase. An official noted, "We have our internal group of researchers who continuously analyse the data and provide feedback," ensuring continuous refinement and accuracy.

World Bank Workshop

The World Bank has confirmed that it will co-host a workshop with MoSPI this year, focusing on leveraging alternate data sources for official statistics. This workshop will specifically address the enhancement of price statistics using scanner data, including e-commerce data. The United Kingdom, recognized for its advancements in this area, will lead discussions on the subject, providing valuable insights and guidance.

Additional Resources

Several resources are available for those interested in related fields: