A paint price hike is coming again in November 2026. Asian Paints plans an increase of about 3% across its range from 1 November, and Berger Paints and Birla Opus have told dealers about hikes of 3–4%. For paint manufacturers who buy raw materials, the hike also tells you how input costs are moving: crude-linked solvents and resins, titanium dioxide and packaging have all become more expensive this year.
In this article we explain what has been announced, why costs are rising, and what small and mid-sized paint, coating and ink manufacturers can do now to protect their margins.
Paint price hike November 2026: what has been announced
According to dealer communications reported on 16 October 2026:
- Asian Paints: an indicative increase of around 3% across its product range from 1 November 2026.
- Berger Paints: 3–4%, to be implemented between late October and the first week of November.
- Birla Opus: a similar 3–4% increase, with the date to be announced separately.
This comes on top of earlier increases this year. The same reports note that Asian Paints made a price adjustment of around 12% in July, and a Systematix Research report (1 October 2026) estimates that paint companies have raised prices by about 16–17% over the past six to seven months.
Why paint costs keep rising
The big companies have named the same cost drivers that smaller manufacturers face every day:
- Crude-linked inputs: when the hikes were announced, reports said Brent crude had moved above $100 a barrel. Solvents and many resins are made from petroleum, so their prices follow crude with a short delay.
- Titanium dioxide and VAM: Systematix names TiO₂ (rutile) and vinyl acetate monomer (VAM, used in emulsion binders) as key raw materials with supply constraints.
- TiO₂ anti-dumping duty: from 24 October 2026, Chinese TiO₂ again attracts an anti-dumping duty of USD 460–681 per tonne. We explained the rates and exclusions in our TiO₂ anti-dumping duty guide.
- Packaging and freight: containers, lids, labels and transport costs have also gone up.
What it means for small and mid-sized paint manufacturers
Large brands can raise prices because they have strong brands and dealer networks. Smaller manufacturers often cannot pass on the full cost increase straight away, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 markets where Systematix expects weaker demand because of a deficient monsoon. That means the cost pressure usually lands on your margin first.
The good news is that a brand-leader hike gives the whole market room to revise prices. If the leaders move by 3–4%, dealers and contractors expect other brands to follow, so this is a good time to review your own price list.
7 practical steps to manage raw material costs
- Review your price list now. Work out your cost per litre or per kilo with current raw material rates, and plan your revision in line with the market before the post-Diwali season.
- Lock in key materials. For TiO₂, binders and solvents, ask suppliers for prices fixed for 1–3 months, or buy a slightly larger stock before the next expected rise.
- Optimise TiO₂ loading. In many interior and economy paints, part of the TiO₂ can be balanced with well-chosen extenders such as fine calcium carbonate or barium sulphate. Always check opacity, sheen and scrub resistance in the lab before changing a formula.
- Compare TiO₂ origins. With the new duty on Chinese material, compare the landed cost of Indian and other non-Chinese rutile titanium dioxide grades as well.
- Check solvent choices. In solvent-based paints, inks and thinners, review whether your blend of industrial solvents can be adjusted without hurting drying time or viscosity.
- Reduce wastage. Tighter batch control, correct dispersion time and good tinting practice cut rework, which saves money without changing the formula.
- Talk to your supplier regularly. A good raw material partner can tell you early when prices are about to move, so you can plan purchases and avoid panic buying.
How Neelgiri Chemicals can help
Neelgiri Chemicals supplies paint, ink and coating manufacturers across India with titanium dioxide, extenders, solvents and resins from trusted producers. Popular materials include Micronized Calcium Carbonate SMC-2800, Precipitated Barium Sulphate, Toluene, Ketonic Resin and a wide range of rutile TiO₂ grades. Our team can help you compare grades and landed costs so your formulations stay cost-effective after the price hike.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are paint prices increasing in November 2026?
Asian Paints has indicated an increase of about 3% from 1 November 2026, while Berger Paints and Birla Opus have communicated hikes of around 3–4% to dealers.
Why are paint companies raising prices again?
Mainly because of higher crude-linked raw materials such as solvents and resins, along with supply constraints in titanium dioxide and VAM, and higher packaging and freight costs.
Should smaller paint manufacturers also revise prices?
Most manufacturers review their price lists when the market leaders move. Calculate your current cost per litre first, then decide how much of the increase to pass on and how much to save through formulation and buying.
Can extenders reduce titanium dioxide cost?
In many formulations, a part of the TiO₂ can be balanced with extenders such as calcium carbonate or barium sulphate. Lab testing is essential because opacity and durability can change.
Planning your raw material purchases for the season? Call or WhatsApp us at +91 87961 61378 or send us an enquiry for the latest prices and grade advice.
Sources: dealer communications reported by Mint, NewsBytes and Lapaas Voice (16 October 2026); Systematix Research via ANI/The Tribune (1 October 2026). Price changes are indicative and may vary by product and region. This article is for general information only.
