India consumer firms plan price hikes due to commodity costs

Hindustan Unilever Ltd. plans measured price increases over the coming quarter for detergents and dishwashing bars, citing inflation in crude-linked derivatives.

At least seven other companies, including Dodla Dairy Ltd. and Asian Paints Ltd., also plan to raise prices.

Consumer prices in India rose above the Reserve Bank of India's 4% target in June for the first time in nearly a year and a half, driven by food and fuel costs.

The RBI expects inflation to average 5.1% in the fiscal year ending March 2027.

Price hikes are attributed to a surge in commodity prices amid the prolonged US-Iran conflict in West Asia.