FMCG goods turn dearer.

(From Business Line)

Byline: Sindhu J. Bhattacharya

New Delhi, May 30 - WITH increasing global oil prices, FMCG companies have been hard put to contain the resultant input cost increases over the last few months. But a combined impact of inflationary pressures and the VAT regime appears to be forcing their hand.

Product categories such as shampoo, toothpaste, and even detergent, have witnessed sporadic price hikes over the last few days.

HLL has been the first to hike prices, as a result of which Pepsodent and Close Up toothpastes are dearer by up to five per cent, and Sunsilk and Clinic Plus shampoos by up to 10 per cent.

An HLL …