Graphic: MintFor the second time in a quarter, Indian paint companies increased prices by around 1.5-1.75% in December. In October as well, paint prices were hiked by around 2-2.5%. The sector has been facing a double whammy of surging global crude oil prices and a depreciating rupee. But now that the input cost environment has turned benign, investors can expect margins of paint companies to improve from here on. Analysts said that the moderation in crude prices removes a key margin headwind for Indian paint companies.

Source: Mint December 18, 2018 01:52 UTC