India’s consumer inflation likely accelerated to 5.40 percent in September from 4.82 percent in August, moving closer to the top of the Reserve Bank of India’s 2-6 percent target range, according to the median forecast in a Reuters poll of 41 economists conducted October 5-7.

Higher energy costs and elevated food prices are blamed. Brent crude has climbed above $100 a barrel, while a deficient monsoon has pushed up food prices. Food and beverages make up about 40 percent of India’s consumer price index basket.

Underscoring the pressure, the RBI on Wednesday raised its key repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.50 percent, its first hike in nearly four years, and signalled further tightening may follow. Governor Sanjay Malhotra said the inflation outlook is no longer benign.

If realised, September would mark the fourth straight month inflation stayed above the RBI’s 4 percent medium-term target. Core inflation is estimated at 4.3 percent, and wholesale inflation at 10.18 percent.