Overview
- India’s biggest consumer-goods makers said they are preparing fresh price hikes on soaps, detergents, biscuits and beverages to offset higher crude-linked, packaging and fuel costs.
- Dabur reported about 10% inflation this year and has lifted prices by 4% across parts of its business.
- Hindustan Unilever said material costs are up 8% to 10% and it has raised prices by 2% to 5%, with further action possible if costs do not ease.
- Britannia flagged a near 20% jump in fuel and packaging costs and plans selective hikes and grammage cuts, while Pidilite faces a 40% to 50% input surge and has already raised prices twice.
- Beverage makers are trimming discounts instead of list prices and holding popular Rs 5, Rs 10 and Rs 15 packs, as crude-linked polymers used in packaging have jumped 60% to 70% since the Iran conflict, prompting redesigns and more local sourcing.