India: ERW patra pipe prices climb up to nearly 2-year high amid elevated input costs

• Trading activity picks up as market sentiment improves
• Persistent scrap, LPG shortages lead to supply concerns 

Indian ERW patra pipe prices (41-60 mm OD) increased in the week ended 3 April 2026 in both Raipur and Mandi Gobindgarh, reaching nearly a two-year high, driven by a sharp rise in raw material prices. Trading activity also improved during the week, as buying interest gained momentum across both regions.

However, on a d-o-d basis, prices showed mixed trends in both markets, with Raipur prices falling by INR 200/t d-o-d to INR 47,300/t ex-works (exw) on 3 April compared with INR 47,500/t exw on 2 April, and Mandi Gobindgarh prices remaining stable at around INR 50,500/t exw on 3 April. Listed prices are ex-works and exclude 18% GST.

Weekly price trends

Raipur: ERW patra pipe prices in Raipur increased by INR 2,200/t w-o-w to INR 47,300/t ex-works on 3 April from INR 45,100/t on 27 March. Trading activity began the week on a positive note, supported by improved buying interest as rising prices prompted restocking among buyers. However, momentum eased by mid-week, with most sellers reporting limited enquiries as market participants remained largely engaged in year-end closing activities.

Mandi Gobindgarh: Pipe prices in Mandi Gobindgarh surged by INR 3,600/t w-o-w to INR 50,500/t ex-works (exw) on 3 April, up from INR 46,900/t a week earlier. Market participants attributed the sharp uptick to rising raw material costs, amid persistent shortages of scrap and LPG. Trading activity strengthened during the week, with a Mandi-based manufacturer noting that, “competing mills are actively procuring material in large quantities and building inventories in anticipation that continued tightness in scrap and gas supply could constrain the supply availability in the finished segment too.” Overall market sentiment remains positive, with most sellers expecting prices to sustain at elevated levels, with no major correction in sight.

Raw material prices

HR Strip (patra): HR strip (patra) prices in Raipur surged by INR 2,500/t w-o-w to INR 47,000/t exw on 3 April from INR 44,500/t exw on 27 March. Similarly, patra prices in Mandi Gobindgarh increased by INR 3,600/t w-o-w to INR 49,500/t exw, compared with INR 45,900/t a week earlier.

Billet: Billet prices in Raipur increased by INR 2,000/t w-o-w to INR 42,950/t exw on 3 April, compared with INR 40,950/t in the previous week. Meanwhile, billet prices in Mandi Gobindgarh stood at INR 46,000/t DAP, up by INR 2,000/t w-o-w from INR 44,000/t on 27 March 2026.

Outlook

ERW patra pipe prices are likely to remain largely stable with a slight upward inclination in the coming week, supported by improved enquiries during the week, which may translate into sizeable bookings if the momentum sustains. However, the extent and sustainability of any price recovery will largely depend on raw material trends and the pace of improvement in end-user demand.