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Paint, hardware prices rise as nail costs jump to Tk 120
Published : Monday, 21 September, 2026 at 5:50 PM
Observer Online Report
Prices of paint and hardware products have increased by 10 to 20 percent over the past two years, with paint prices rising twice in the last six months, according to local traders.
Traders attributed the price hikes to increases in fuel and iron prices, the US dollar exchange rate and the ongoing global conflict situation.
The latest fuel price hike on Sunday night has also raised concerns that paint prices could increase again next month, further affecting sales.
There are more than 200 hardware and paint shops in the city, with 120 members in the local Hardware Shop Owners' Association.
A market visit found that ordinary distemper is now selling for Tk 500-700 per gallon (3.64 litres), compared with Tk 450-600 six months ago. Plastic paint costs Tk 1,300-1,800 per gallon, up from Tk 1,100-1,600.
Turpentine oil, used for painting, now costs Tk 1,100 for four litres, compared with Tk 960 six months ago.
Emulsion or weather coat paint is selling for Tk 1,700-2,000 per gallon, while an 18-litre drum costs Tk 7,800-10,000. Previously, the prices were Tk 1,500-1,800 per gallon and Tk 6,000-9,000 per drum.
Berger and Asian Paints products have the highest demand in the market, while Elite Paint, Roxy and Dulux are also available.
One hardware store owner said companies had raised paint and turpentine prices twice in the past six months, citing higher fuel costs and the global conflict situation.
“Some paint prices have increased by up to 20 percent. As a result, sales have declined significantly,” he said.
Prices of hardware products have also increased. Nails now cost Tk 120 per kg, compared with Tk 80-90 two years ago. The price had reached as high as Tk 160 a few months ago.
Binding wire used for construction now sells for Tk 120-140 per kg, compared with less than Tk 100 two years ago.
Other hardware items, including door hinges, latches and hasp bolts, have also become more expensive.
Owner of another store said hardware prices were closely linked to rod prices and the dollar exchange rate.
“When rod prices rose to Tk 108 per kg, nail and wire prices reached Tk 160. They have come down somewhat now. Other imported hardware products also depend on the dollar rate. Overall, prices of most products have increased by around Tk 20,” he said.
A painter said demand for painting work usually rises after the monsoon. But when material prices go up, many people postpone painting work. This affects the market as well as our income.
Manik Chandra Kar, president of the Hardware Shop Owners' Association, said paint prices had increased twice in the past six months.
He said another increase could come in October following Sunday night's fuel price hike.
“Whenever major companies increase prices, others follow suit,” he said.
Kar said demand for paint and hardware products normally rises after the monsoon. However, traders are already facing sluggish sales due to rising prices and are concerned about the impact of another increase next month.
- MaT
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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
