Ludhiana News/Be prepared to pay more for Paper Products from Dec 1, 2013

Ludhiana, November 21, 2013: As per the communication received by the association from Niraj Sinha (VP) Ballarpur Industries Ltd , Paper mills are being impacted severely by the domestic fibre deficit scenario & its impact on wood prices. Wood is being transported across the length and breadth of the country and is defying the generally accepted practice of procurement from the catchment area. Also, for the first time in the history of Indian Paper Industry, import of wood has become a reality.  As per Sinha, this cost push has further been compounded by increase in prices of speciality chemicals, energy, transport & logistics, making it increasingly difficult for them to operate profitably.
In view of the above and in line with market scenario updates, they have decided to increase  prices for all uncoated hi brights & creamwove papers by Rs.2000 PMT gross. For Copiers, Poster Paper, Sunlit Cartridge, Ledger & BCB, this increase will be Rs.1500 PMT gross. These increases will be effective from 1st December 2013.
Commenting on the issue, Parveen Aggarwal said, paper mills already increased the prices by 12% in the month of September due to higher dollar price and now with this increase of about 15% in the current prices, the paper products, like note books, corrugated and duplex boxes, labels and other stationery items are bound to increase. He further added, “If the current trend of increase in paper prices keeps on moving like this it’ll be very difficult to survive for the Printing and Packaging industry. On the other hand he said, be prepared to pay more for the school books, packaging, office stationery, sweet boxes and note books etc from the next year. It ‘ll be a severe blow to the total industry as each industrial unit will have to now pay more for every printed product they are using. This in turn will increase the overall pricing and is going to very seriously affecting the end user.”
Kushl Jain (Vice President, OPA) advised all the printer brothers to keep the track of the paper prices, as the fluctuating paper pricing can hamper the profitability of the printing units too. He appealed the printers for a 15% increase the prices  to cover the additional cost of inputs this increase in price will affect Hosiery boxes, Sweet Boxes, Packaging, note books, School books, stationery  and other printed items should be done.
Kamal Chopra (General Secretary) said It is to be noted that this almost Third revision this year Since January, recently the Paper mills have increased the price from 1st September 2013 by Rs. 3,000 PMT. That was done due to increased price of Dollar. Government agencies must control the prices of paper otherwise it’ll increase the inflation to newer highs. School n College books will also cost more for the coming sessions.