For 50 successive weeks, the rate of inflation has been under 5%

Explanation

This is very typical and straight forward CR question. You just need to concentrate on the conclusion and then attack on the conclusion. Let's read the stimulus.

For 50 successive weeks, the rate of inflation has been under 5%. This is the longest period of low inflation since the mid-seventies. The Finance Minister was quick to claim that the fiscal and monetary policies of his government were solely responsible for bringing inflation under control.

Conclusion: Fiscal and monetary policies are the only handlers of inflation.

Attack the conclusion: We need something which states that Fiscal and monetary policies are not the key points behind the inflation rate.

Read the answer choices:

A. Consumers still feel that prices are rising, especially in the cities.
Outside information - didn't weaken the conclusion.

B. International oil prices, which are a major component of the inflation index, have been very low over the past 50 weeks.
This option directly attacks the conclusion by saying that the Fiscal and monetary policies are not the factors deciding the inflation rate

C. Inflation is a phenomenon caused by a complex interaction of numerous factors, some of them beyond the control of the finance minister.
This is trap answer, It discussion that finance minister is laying, But actually it is not weakening his/her claim. It is attacking on the finance minister's personal capacity of work which is not discussed in the stimulus. We need logics and not the feelings.

D. The consumer price index fluctuates from week to week.
Out of context

E. The Finance Ministry has the power to control inflation.
This is opposite, it actually strengthening the conclusion by saying that the finance minister has powers to do so and hence he/she is correct.

Answer: B