Asian Paints raised prices by around 12% during the year to offset rising raw material costs triggered by the conflict in West Asia, Chairman R. Seshasayee said, adding that the company would continue to balance cost pressures with consumer demand.
Speaking at the company's 80th Annual General Meeting, Seshasayee said escalating geopolitical tensions led to inflation in crude oil-linked raw materials, prompting the country's largest paint maker to implement measured price increases.
"The recent escalation in West Asia has created significant inflationary pressures in raw materials, particularly through crude oil-linked inputs. In response, we have implemented measured price increases of approximately 12% to mitigate these headwinds," he said.
Seshasayee said the company remains cautious about passing on additional costs, noting that discretionary consumer spending continues to be subdued.
"We are conscious that pricing actions must be balanced with the need to protect underlying consumer demand," he said, adding that Asian Paints would continue to take a calibrated approach to future price revisions.
While tensions in West Asia have shown signs of easing, Seshasayee said the situation remains uncertain and raw material costs may take time to stabilise.
"As the industry leader, we will continue to adopt a balanced and responsible approach, passing on only such adjustments as are necessary," he said.
Despite near-term challenges, including volatile input costs, prolonged monsoon conditions and increased competition, the company remained optimistic about long-term demand, citing India's housing, infrastructure and consumption growth as key drivers.
For FY26, Asian Paints reported consolidated net sales of ₹35,516 crore, up 5.1% year on year. Net profit after minority interest rose 17.9% to ₹4,325.4 crore, supported by margin expansion and continued investments in innovation, services and supply chain capabilities.