Petrol and diesel have risen Rs 7.5/litre since the Iran conflict began, lifting freight and last-mile delivery costs as fuel makes up ~55% of trucking expense. Nestle, HUL, Marico and Dabur have already pushed through 2-5% price hikes, with further increases or grammage cuts likely — a fresh threat to the nascent rural consumption recovery.

ET Small Business · 5/26/2026, 6:34:39 AM

A Rs 7.5/litre fuel price hike — Rs 2.61 on petrol and Rs 2.71 on diesel — is pressuring FMCG majors HUL, Nestle, Marico and Dabur on freight and input costs. Trucking costs, which form 55% of distribution, are rising sharply, threatening 2-5% price hikes or pack shrinkage and risking already-fragile rural demand and last-mile delivery economics.

Times of India · Business · 5/25/2026, 12:49:07 PM

Petrol/diesel prices raised ₹3/litre amid Middle East crisis, with crude above $100 driving daily under-recoveries of ₹1,600-1,700 cr at OMCs. Diesel-led freight and packaging costs squeeze margins for transport-heavy retail, while 3-4% household fuel rise risks cutting first into dining, apparel, electronics and leisure travel spend.

Mint · Markets · 5/15/2026, 6:41:38 AM