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Crude surge squeezes paint makers’ margins amid tougher competition
Crude oil prices have risen 70% in 2026 to about $98 a barrel, raising input costs for decorative paints heading into the September quarter.
Crude-driven inflation is pressuring the margins of decorative paint makers, with the industry facing a cost squeeze while competition for market share remains intense, according to LiveMint Markets.
The outlet cited rising crude prices that have surged 70% so far in 2026 to nearly $98 per barrel, eroding the cushion paint companies previously had to adjust pricing and manage demand as they fought for customers.
Paint makers rely on crude-based derivatives and other key inputs including monomers and titanium dioxide, and LiveMint Markets said the commodity cost inflation could weigh on margins for the September quarter (Q2FY27).
The pressure comes as Birla Opus, backed by Grasim Industries scaling operations, and JSW Dulux stepping up investments, intensify the market-share battle, forcing incumbents to balance price hikes, demand, and profitability.
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