But here’s what’s really moving the needle: inflation is sneaking past 4%, hitting an 18-month high. Most folks don’t realize; it’s not just fuel or food. It’s the ripple effect. Higher diesel? That means costlier transport. Costlier transport? That means higher prices in your local market. And the RBI’s watching closely; not just headline numbers, but core inflation, which quietly climbed to 3.7% and could hit 4.7%. Why does this matter to you? If rates rise later this year, EMIs could go up. Loans, home or otherwise, get pricier. And with monsoon uncertainty looming and global oil still volatile, this isn’t just a banker’s problem; it’s yours too. Keep an eye on food prices next; they’re the real silent inflation drivers.