Desk note · industry · FMCG / household goods
Bajaj Consumer Care said on 21 October 2026 it will raise consumer prices and trim pack sizes in the third quarter of FY27, targeting an overall increase of about 5% split roughly evenly between list-price hikes and smaller packs, while keeping quick commerce and premium personal care as growth priorities.
On 21 October 2026, business media reported that Bajaj Consumer Care will adjust pricing in the third quarter of financial year 2027. The company plans an overall increase of about 5% for consumers, achieved partly through higher shelf prices and partly through smaller pack sizes. Executives said the split would be roughly half and half. Bajaj Consumer Care sells mass-market hair oils and personal-care products where households notice even small rupee changes. The announcement lands in the same week other FMCG names have warned about input costs and festive demand timing.
When margins compress on palm derivatives, packaging, and logistics, mid-tier FMCG firms often blend visible price hikes with shrinkflation so loyal buyers do not abandon the brand in one step. A 5% blended move is large enough to protect margins but small enough that pantry restocking may continue, especially if competitors follow. Quick-commerce listings amplify the effect because basket sizes are smaller and price comparisons are instant. Premium personal-care SKUs give the company a place to grow average selling price without pushing the entire portfolio up at once.
If you buy Bajaj Almond Drops or other branded oils regularly, check per-gram pricing on the label, not just the MRP. Retailers may run short-term deals that mask the structural change. Investors comparing FMCG names should track whether volume holds after the Q3 reset. Watch peer announcements from Marico and Dabur, palm oil futures, and whether rural demand softens after the festive pantry fill.
Telecom / IPO
On 22 October 2026, exchange data showed Jio Platforms’ ₹30,213 crore issue had drawn about ₹3.73 lakh crore of total bids by late evening on Day 2, with the retail portion oversubscribed and market commentators citing diverted cash from other listed stocks during the book build.
SEBI / market infrastructure
On 22 October 2026, the Securities and Exchange Board of India proposed letting stock exchanges and depositories fund core-market and regulator-mandated initiatives without prior approval for each ticket, while keeping board oversight and financial safeguards and inviting comments until 12 November.
E-commerce / food delivery
On 22 October 2026, reporting said Flipkart is testing an internal food delivery product called Eat-in by Minutes with more than 8,000 employees in Bengaluru, using Ekart logistics as it prepares to compete with Zomato and Swiggy in meal delivery.
Digital trust / compliance
On 22 October 2026, eMudhra Ltd said its board will voluntarily withdraw from the global SSL/TLS certificate segment after a key-security incident on eight intermediate certificates, citing compliance cost and weak economics while stressing that other digital-trust services continue.
For informational purposes only. Not investment advice. Verify with filings and a licensed adviser.