Retail inflation eased to its lowest level in eight months, government data released Friday showed, driven largely by a sharp fall in vegetable prices after a strong harvest.

Core inflation, which strips out food and fuel, held roughly steady month on month, suggesting underlying price pressures have not eased by nearly as much as the headline number.

Economists said the print gives the central bank room to hold rates at its upcoming meeting, though most still expect only a gradual easing cycle to follow.