The Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) may raise the repo rate by 25 basis points this week as elevated crude oil prices, rising food prices and resilient economic growth increase inflationary risks, believe 80% of economists polled by FE. The six-member MPC will meet from October 5-7, with the policy decision due on October 7. A 25-bps hike would take the repo rate to 5.50% from 5.25%. While most economists and research houses surveyed expect a hike, view differ on how far the tightening cycle could extend and whether the RBI will retain its “neutral” stance. Around 60% are betting on a neutral stance while others point at various other options, including calibrated tightening.