Consumers may face higher prices on cars, two-wheelers, televisions, refrigerators, and air conditioners from April, as manufacturers grapple with rising input costs, higher international freight rates, and rupee depreciation. Price increases of 2–3% are expected in automobiles, while consumer electronics and appliances could become 5–6% costlier due to heavy reliance on plastics and polymers.
Luxury carmakers Mercedes-Benz India and Audi India have already announced price hikes of around 2% effective April 1. Mainstream automakers are finalizing their revisions.
Kamal Nandi, head of the appliances division at Godrej Enterprises, said, “A price hike is inevitable. We will increase prices from April, possibly by 5–6%.” Nandi cited sharp increases in costs of plastics and related raw materials, with suppliers reluctant to commit to long-term contracts.
The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA) highlighted that imports of chemicals, synthetic rubber, aluminium scrap, and petrochemical-based materials like polypropylene are being delayed, further straining supply chains. ACMA director general Vinnie Mehta noted, “The conflict in West Asia continues to create uncertainty, and we are closely monitoring developments.”
Crude derivatives such as plastics, resins, and polymers have climbed by up to 25% in the past month, while international freight rates have surged 7–10%, and the rupee has depreciated by around 2% against the dollar, increasing landed costs of imports. Polyester staple fibre prices have also seen similar jumps.
Price increases are not limited to vehicles and appliances. Footwear, synthetic fibre-based apparel, and decorative household paints could rise 9–10%. Berger Paints India plans a 5% price hike from March 25 on solvent-based products, waterproofing emulsions, and industrial paints. Harkirat Singh, managing director of Woodland India, said suppliers’ rising raw material costs could push shoe prices up 8–12% from April.
Executives across sectors warned that the price increases could offset gains from recent GST reductions, but stressed that options are limited as supply chains remain volatile.
