Deflation worries stalk India economy as growth slows

Deflation -- in which falling prices prompt consumers to delay buying, deepening a downturn -- has become a growing concern across the globe as demand for goods sinks.

India's weakening inflation is the symptom "of a deeper malaise" with an "adverse environment" for jobs, salaries and business prompting a fall in prices, HDFC Bank Chief Economist Abheek Barua said.

Inflation has tumbled from 12.91 percent last August to 3.03 percent, partly due to a precipitous slide in the global price of oil and other commodities.

Now a slowing domestic economy is kicking in as the global financial crisis hammers exports.

Inflation will reach zero by the end of this fiscal year in March, according to Axis Bank economist Saugata Bhattacharya.

Some economists forecast deflation could then set in and last until at least October.

It would mark India's first bout of deflation since March 1976, according to central bank records.

"Wholesale price levels are showing absolute declines un