HUL Continues Gradual Price Hikes Across FMCG Categories

Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) major Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) has increased prices on several daily-use products over the past two months. The company is under pressure from rising input costs. Raw materials, packaging, and freight have all become more expensive.

Distributor checks point to fresh hikes in May 2026. Products like Wheel detergent, Vim dishwash bar, and Ponds White cream are now selling at higher prices.

At 12.26 PM on 13 May, HUL shares were trading at ₹2,276.70, up 0.65%.

Which Products Have Become Costlier?

The company had earlier said it would take calibrated price increases wherever necessary to manage input cost inflation.

When it comes to detergents, there was an upward adjustment of Wheel detergent price in May from ₹80 per packet of 1 kg to ₹83, reflecting a change of 3.75%. Prior to that, the price had already been adjusted in April to ₹80 per packet from ₹76 per packet. Taken together, Wheel detergent prices have climbed 9.21% in just two months.

Detergents contribute nearly 25% of HUL’s overall revenue, making the segment critical for earnings. Industry estimates suggest earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) margins in the category are around 19%.

In dishwashing products, distributors said the price of Vim Dishwash Bar (100g) has moved up from ₹38 to ₹40 in May, after an earlier increase from ₹36 to ₹38 in April. Overall, Vim prices have risen 11.11% since April.

The dishwash segment contributes nearly 5% to HUL’s revenue mix, with EBITDA margins estimated between 15% and 16%.

Meanwhile, Ponds White Cream (23g) has also become more expensive. HUL increased its price from ₹105 to ₹115 in May, translating into a 9.52% hike. Skincare contributes around 15% to 16% of the company’s revenue.

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Why Is HUL Raising Prices?

The company had mentioned earlier that inflation in important raw materials continues to remain high in the range of 8%-10%. As per industry experts, prices of palm oil have risen by nearly 20%-30%, while those of packaging material could be up 15%-50%.

Logistics costs have also seen an upward trend in the last few months, owing to rising crude-based costs coupled with the prevailing Middle Eastern conflict.

Analysts believe that HUL’s pricing strategy is designed such that its impact on volumes will be minimal, especially in mass categories where volume growth remains sensitive to price increases.

Source:

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