Patna: Inflationary pressure on household essentials is intensifying as rising costs of palm oil, glycerin, and packaging materials continue to affect the prices of edible oils and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG).
Retail traders and industry representatives say the increasing prices of raw materials are gradually impacting consumer products including detergents, shampoos, soaps, cosmetics, and edible oils. They warned that further price hikes are likely if input costs do not stabilise in the coming weeks.
Edible Oil Prices Rise Sharply
Retail prices of edible oils have increased significantly in local markets over the past few months. A 750-gram pack of soybean oil is now being sold for around Rs 145.
Several popular cooking oil brands have also recorded price increases. Traders said ‘Dhara’ and ‘Saloni’ oils are retailing at nearly Rs 180, while some variants of ‘Patanjali’ oil have reached Rs 200. The ‘Engine’ brand is reportedly selling for up to Rs 205 in some markets.
Palm Oil Costs Add Pressure
According to members of the Retailers’ Federation, wholesale palm oil prices have increased by nearly 12 to 18 per cent over the last three months.
Palm oil, which was earlier available at Rs 92 to Rs 95 per kilogram in wholesale markets, is now priced between Rs 108 and Rs 112 per kilogram. Industry representatives said the rise has directly impacted manufacturers dependent on palm oil as a key raw material.
Detergents and Personal Care Products Affected
Manufacturers of detergents, soaps, shampoos, and hand wash products are also facing rising production costs due to higher palm oil prices.
Traders said companies have so far absorbed a portion of the increase, but consumer prices are expected to rise further if costs continue to climb.
Glycerin Prices Witness Steep Increase
Glycerin prices have also risen sharply in recent months. Market rates have moved from around Rs 62–65 per kilogram to nearly Rs 78–82 per kilogram.
The increase is affecting companies involved in the production of creams, cosmetics, face washes, and pharmaceutical products, industry sources said.
Beauty Products Become Costlier
Consumers are also seeing higher prices for skincare and beauty products in retail markets.
Local said the price of a gold facial kit that earlier cost around Rs 350 has now crossed Rs 400 in local stores.
Retailers said the cost of several face kits, beauty creams, and cosmetic products has increased due to higher raw material and packaging expenses.
Packaging Costs Continue to Rise
Apart from raw materials, packaging costs have also increased substantially. Traders said plastic granules used for bottles and wrappers have become 8 to 10 per cent more expensive.
Carton and paper packaging costs have reportedly increased by around 12 per cent, adding to operational expenses for FMCG companies.
Companies Reduce Product Quantities
Industry experts said some companies have started reducing the quantity of products in packets while maintaining existing price points to manage rising production costs.
Consumers are therefore receiving smaller quantities for the same price, a practice increasingly visible across packaged goods categories.
More Price Hikes Expected
Business owners and traders estimate that prices of soaps, detergents, shampoos, biscuits, and edible oils could increase by another 5 to 10 per cent in the near future if raw material costs remain elevated.
Market observers said the continuing rise in household expenses may place additional pressure on middle- and lower-income families already dealing with broader inflationary trends.
