From correspondents in Delhi, India, 05:31 PM IST

Finance Minister P. Chidambaram has expressed concern as India's wholesale inflation hit a whopping 7.83 percent for the week ended May 3 compared to 7.61 percent in the week preceding it.

"These are difficult times. The movement from 7.61 percent to 7.83 percent is indeed worrisome. It's a matter of concern," the minister told reporters on the sidelines of an industry event here.

The minister also hinted at government taking more administrative measures to tame the surging inflation even as he urged patience to see the impact of the steel and cement price reduction.

"We are still waiting for the impact of steel and cement price reduction. Even behind the dark clouds there is a silver lining," he said.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)