Paper and paperboard prices in India — 17th update of 21 October 2026 in New Delhi

In our 17th update and monitoring of paper and board prices over the past few months, we see minor changes in one or two categories in the past month. Since our previous update on 21 September, there has been minor changes in our list of 70 papers, liners, and paperboards. The prices in our list are indicative, as it is extremely difficult to extract paper prices for paper that you are not actually purchasing.

The Middle-East war and the geopolitical tension are still affecting prices, which could further increase or decrease depending on the situation. In some cases, distributors are reluctant to share price update and there is some fear of supply chain delays in the case of imported papers. Energy, logistic costs and fuel prices are up and this is putting pressure on print exporters.

If our readers, printers, or paper mills, and distributors would like to help us refine our indicative list in terms of brand, quality, or price, they are welcome to do so by sending an email to Mukesh Nath at ads3@ippgroup.in. To validate their inputs, it is suggested that concerned readers or suppliers send a single sheet sample of the paper that they wish to be corrected or included in our list. For further inputs or interaction, readers and respondents can interact with Mukesh Nath at +91 9760806939.

On 22 August 2025, the Indian government, through the Director General of Foreign Trade, imposed a minimum import price (MIP) of ₹67,220 per ton (MT) on virgin multi-layer paper board (VPB), was effective until 31 March 2026. This price applies to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value of imported goods under specific ITC (HS) Codes, such as 48059100, 48059200, 48059300, 48109200, and 48109900. These paper and boards are used for packaging of pharmaceuticals, FMCG, food, beverages, electronics, high-end cosmetics, and liquor products, and in publishing for book covers.

On 3 September 2025, the GST council revised the rates so that in most categories the 12% GST was abolished, and in the main, the goods and services are now in the 5% and 18% categories. For carton packaging, this has meant an inverted GST rate, that is, 18% on paperboard and 5% on cartons. Various industry bodies have made representations to the government to rationalize this structure, since it would mean enormous amounts of working capital would be tied up in raw material costs for extended periods of time.

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