Toy prices rise as West Asia conflict pushes up plastic, freight costs

Ludhiana: Toy prices across markets in the city have witnessed an increase of 10% to 20% in recent days, traders said, citing disruptions linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict, that have pushed up crude oil prices and, consequently, the cost of plastic — the primary raw material used in the manufacture of most toys. Retailers said higher freight charges have further added to the pressure, as a majority of toys are imported.Shopkeepers said the price rise has affected nearly all categories of toys, with plastic-based products seeing the sharpest increase. Traders pointed out that plastic prices are closely linked to crude oil derivatives, making the sector particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in global energy markets. With uncertainties in West Asia affecting crude supply expectations, manufacturers have started revising prices, which has eventually reached retail markets.Supreet Singh, who runs a toy store in Model Town, said prices have gone up across almost the entire inventory. "Prices of nearly all toys available in the market today have increased by about 10% to 20% . Toys made primarily of plastic have seen a higher jump as plastic raw material costs have increased sharply. Distributors have revised their rates multiple times over the last few weeks," he said.Industry representatives said the situation has been compounded by disruptions in supply chains, which have led to increase in freight costs. Since most toys sold in the domestic market are imported, transportation costs have risen in tandem with fuel prices, further squeezing trader margins.Ashu Gupta, who owns a toy shop on Chandigarh Road, said the impact of rising crude oil prices is being felt not only in toys but also across plastic-based products. "We are seeing a rise in prices of almost all plastic goods. Crude oil price disruptions have increased raw material costs, and freight charges have also gone up. Transporters are revising their rates, and suppliers are passing on the burden," he said.Gupta added that retailers are absorbing a portion of the cost increase. "Shopkeepers cannot suddenly hike prices steeply. Customers are very sensitive to even small price increases, especially when it comes to non-essential items like toys," he said, adding that most retailers have limited the increase to around 10 per cent despite higher procurement prices.Another toy store owner from Rani Jhansi Road said even toys that do not contain a high amount of plastic have become more expensive. "Almost all items have seen a price hike. Even toys with limited plastic involve packaging, components and logistics that depend heavily on plastic and fuel. Manufacturers are giving multiple reasons, including raw material costs, labour expenses and transportation charges," he said.Traders said they are trying to balance rising costs without discouraging buyers. Most shopkeepers said they have increased prices selectively and reduced their margins in order to maintain sales volumes. Several retailers said they are hoping the situation stabilises soon, allowing prices to return to normal levels.Meanwhile, traders expressed concern that prolonged volatility in crude oil prices could trigger further revisions in the coming weeks. With the festive and gifting season approaching in the next few months, shopkeepers fear that sustained price increases may affect demand, particularly in the budget toy segment.For now, most toy sellers in the city said they are closely monitoring developments in international markets and supply chains while trying to keep price hikes minimal and manageable for customers.