Paper prices surge in India

Finished paper prices have reportedly surged by INR 2-6 per kg, with mills citing justifications such as LPG shortages, elevated waste paper costs, and global geopolitical disruptions. However, figures on the ground present a contradictory picture. Industry observers point out that the increase in finished paper is highly disproportionate to the rise in the primary raw material— waste paper — whose cost has only risen by an estimated INR 0.70-2 per kg. Since waste paper is the fundamental input for recycled paper mills, this disparity has led to calls for greater transparency in pricing.

by Dibyajyoti Sarma