While Berger Paints has increased the price by 7-10 percent, Asian Paints and Pashupati Paints have increased prices by up to 15 percent and 8-12 percent respectively.[break]
According to Paint Manufacturer Association of Nepal, paint companies were forced to increase the price of their products after they faced pressure due to rising input costs. Raw materials make for about 80 percent of the manufacturing cost, according to officials of the association.
“We have increased the price in all segments mainly due to rise in prices of petroleum products, packaging materials and raw materials in the international market,” Suresh Sharma, senior sales officer at Berger Paints, said, adding that strengthening of US dollar vis-à-vis Nepali rupee also contributed to the price surge.
Nandan Adhikari, proprietor of Color Spa at Old Baneshwar - a dealer of Asian Paints, said Asian Paints has increased prices by Rs 15-100 per liter.
According to manufacturers, short supply of Titanium Dioxide - a major raw material - is one of the reasons that contributed to price rise.
“We have increased the price of out products by 8 to 12 percent as price of raw materials have increased much higher,” said Sailesh Sitaula, regional manager of Pashupati Paints.
Besides, rise in prices of plastic and packaging materials, which have increased by around 10 percent in the international market, also prompted manufactures to raise price of their products.
“Paint prices are expected to rise further as the price of petroleum products is seen increasing in the international market,” Adhikari said.
Meanwhile, paint companies have said price hike in the ongoing lean season will make huge impact on their sales.
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