Due to El Nino weather conditions, India has received its lowest monsoon rainfall since 2018.

August has been the driest month in over a century, the Meteorological Department said.

Monsoon is important to India's economy, providing about 70% of the rainfall required for crops and reservoirs.

Inadequate rains during summer may increase prices of essential commodities like sugar, pulses, rice and vegetables.

This may increase overall food inflation.

The deficit could prompt India, a major producer of rice, wheat and sugar, to impose export restrictions on these commodities.

According to a report by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), June to September received 94% of the average rainfall.

The Meteorological Department has predicted normal rainfall from October to December.

Above normal temperatures are expected in most parts of the country in October.