Paint makers to hold prices through festive season, defer cuts until after Diwali despite crude relief
Crude is down 15.52% in a month, easing input costs that make up 55-60% of raw materials after 14-16% price hikes in Mar-Jun 2026. But Asian Paints, Berger and peers are expected to redirect savings into dealer incentives and trade schemes to grab share, capping consumer price cuts below 7% in CY2026.
Falling crude eases paint makers' input costs, but companies are expected to hold consumer prices through the festive season and defer cuts until after Diwali, redirecting savings to dealer incentives and trade schemes to gain market share.
Why this matters
Asian Paints keeps prices firm while expanding reach, having added 6,000 retail touchpoints in FY26 and bracing for a 'dynamic' FY27. Trade schemes echo its share-grab playbook even as home decor bets stall.
Retail-company signals accelerating, up 436400% QoQ.