Inflation in India is expected to have eased in August due to lower vegetable prices, but it is likely to remain above the Reserve Bank of India's target range for the second consecutive month. Erratic monsoon rains have damaged crops, leading the government to subsidize vegetable prices and ban cereal exports. While this has helped bring down food inflation, rising energy prices may limit the decline. Economists predict that the consumer price index rose 7.00% in August compared to a year ago, with inflation expected to remain above the target range until October.