Kolkata, April 6 The Indian Plastics Federation (IPF) on Monday urged the Centre to declare plastics as an essential commodity in the face of sharp disruptions in polymer supply and prices caused by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
The industry body said the sector is facing a severe cost and supply shock, with raw material prices rising by 50-70%, along with erratic availability, extended lead times, higher logistics costs, and a shortage of LPG used by several processing units.
In a webinar, IPF President Amit Kumar Agarwal said the current situation has created a structural disruption across the plastics value chain.
"This is not just volatility—it is a structural disruption and a price and supply shock impacting the entire plastics value chain, putting severe pressure on costs, supply, and working capital, especially for MSMEs," Agarwal said.
He said plastics have become critical to sectors such as food, healthcare, packaging, and infrastructure, and therefore should be treated as an essential commodity to ensure uninterrupted supply.
The federation also welcomed the government's decision to reduce duties on major polymer products, but urged that duty exemptions on polymer imports be extended for six months, and domestic petrochemical companies be advised to maintain stable supplies.
IPF Honorary Secretary Saurabh Garodia said the industry must adapt to the evolving situation.
"The current crisis demands agility, collaboration, and adaptive supply chain strategies. Stakeholders must work together to manage risks and sustain growth," Garodia said.
Established in 1958, the Indian Plastics Federation represents the plastics industry and advocates policy measures to support the sector.