India’s leading paint manufacturers, including Asian Paints, Berger Paints and Birla Opus, are planning another round of price increases ahead of Diwali 2026. The proposed hikes come as crude oil prices cross $100 per barrel, raising the cost of raw materials, packaging and transportation. Asian Paints is planning an indicative price increase of around 3% across its product range, effective November 1, 2026. The company has informed dealers about the proposed revision, citing higher raw material, packaging and logistics costs driven by geopolitical developments. Berger Paints has also informed its dealers about a planned price increase of 3–4%. The revision is expected to take effect between late October and the first week of November 2026. Birla Opus , the paints business of the Aditya Birla Group, is also planning a price increase of around 3–4%. Crude oil is an important factor in paint manufacturing because several paint ingredients, including solvents and resins, are derived from petroleum-based products. Higher oil prices can also increase packaging and transportation expenses, putting additional pressure on manufacturers' operating margins. With Brent crude crossing $100 per barrel, paint companies are looking to recover a portion of these rising costs through price revisions. The proposed increases follow earlier staggered price hikes introduced from April 2026 amid cost pressures linked to geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
According to a report by Mint published on October 16, 2026, the companies are preparing price revisions to manage rising input costs during the festive season, a crucial period for decorative paint sales in India.Asian Paints Plans 3% Price Increase From November 1
The price revision is expected to help the company manage increasing production expenses as it prepares for stronger demand during the festive season.Berger Paints to Increase Prices by 3–4%
The proposed increase comes amid continued pressure on paint manufacturers from rising crude-linked input costs. Berger Paints had previously indicated that earlier price increases had not fully offset the rise in raw material expenses.Birla Opus Also Plans a Price Hike
According to the report, the company has communicated the proposed revision to dealers, while specific implementation dates are expected to be announced separately. Dealers have been encouraged to maximise purchases before the new prices take effect.
These developments indicate that leading paintmakers are responding to similar cost pressures ahead of one of the industry's most important sales periods.Crude Oil Prices Above $100 Increase Manufacturing Costs
Paint Industry Expects Stronger Diwali Demand
The timing of the proposed price increases is significant because the festive season typically supports decorative paint sales, home renovations and repainting activities.
After a relatively subdued Diwali last year, paint manufacturers are expecting improved demand this festive season. Better weather conditions, an extended home-renovation period and an early recovery in demand have supported expectations for stronger October sales.
Industry analysts expect the proposed price increases to have a limited impact on festive demand, as consumers who have already planned home painting may continue with their purchases. Labour costs also account for a significant portion of the total painting expense, potentially reducing the overall impact of higher paint prices on consumers.
Other manufacturers, including Kansai Nerolac and JSW Dulux, may also face pressure to review prices as competitors implement their planned revisions. However, any further increases from these companies would depend on their individual decisions.
Conclusion
The planned 3–4% price hikes by Asian Paints, Berger Paints and Birla Opus highlight the impact of rising crude oil prices on India's paint industry. With Brent crude above $100 per barrel, manufacturers are attempting to balance higher input costs with festive-season demand. The proposed revisions, expected around late October and early November 2026, could influence paint purchasing costs for consumers and dealers ahead of Diwali.
FAQs
1. Which paint companies are planning a price hike in India in 2026?
Asian Paints, Berger Paints and Birla Opus are planning price increases ahead of Diwali 2026.
2. How much will paint prices increase?
Asian Paints is planning an increase of around 3%, while Berger Paints and Birla Opus are planning increases of approximately 3–4%.
3. When will the new paint prices take effect?
Asian Paints is planning to implement its price hike from November 1, 2026. Berger Paints and Birla Opus are expected to implement their revisions around late October or early November.
4. Why are paint companies increasing prices?
Paint companies are responding to rising crude oil prices and higher raw material, packaging and transportation costs.
5. How does crude oil affect paint prices?
Crude oil is used to produce several paint ingredients, including solvents and resins. Higher oil prices can increase manufacturing and logistics expenses.
6. Will the price hike affect consumers before Diwali?
Yes. Once the revised prices take effect, consumers may have to pay more for paint products used in home renovation and festive-season painting.
