India: ERW patra pipe prices decline w-o-w amid lower input costs, weak demand

• Ongoing price corrections continue to keep buyers cautious
• High inventories, falling raw material prices pressure prices

ERW patra pipe prices (41-60 mm OD) declined w-o-w on 8 May 2026 in both Raipur and Mandi Gobindgarh, weighed down by lower raw material prices and subdued downstream demand.

On a d-o-d basis as well, prices edged lower in both markets. In Raipur, prices fell by INR 100/t to INR 45,500/t ex-works (exw) on 8 May from INR 45,600/t on 7 May. Similarly, prices in Mandi Gobindgarh edged down by INR 400/t d-o-d to INR 46,800/t exw on 8 May from INR 47,200/t a day earlier. Listed prices are ex-works and exclude 18% GST.

Weekly price trends

Raipur: ERW patra pipe prices in Raipur dropped by INR 800/t w-o-w to INR 45,500/t exw Raipur on 8 May, compared with INR 46,300/t on 1 May 2026. Trade activity remained strictly need-based amid persistently cautious market sentiment. A Raipur-based source stated, “There were limited enquiries, as buyers largely refrained from fresh bookings in anticipation of further price corrections.”

Mandi Gobindgarh: ERW patra pipe prices in Mandi Gobindgarh declined by INR 1,200/t w-o-w to INR 46,800/t exw on 8 May from INR 48,000/t a week earlier. A Mandi-based source indicated, “Persistently weak demand has resulted in significant inventory build-up in the market. Adverse weather conditions continue to disrupt labour availability, while tight scrap supply has added further pressure on market activity.”

Raw material prices

HR strip (patra): HR strip (patra) prices in Raipur dropped by INR 800/t w-o-w to INR 45,000/t exw on 8 May from INR 45,800/t exw on 1 May 2026. Similarly, patra prices in Mandi Gobindgarh declined by INR 1,200/t w-o-w to INR 45,800/t exw from INR 47,000/t a week earlier.

Billet: Billet prices in Raipur declined by INR 1,250/t w-o-w to INR 40,850/t exw on 8 May compared with INR 42,100/t in the previous week. Moreover, billet prices in Mandi Gobindgarh stood at INR 44,400/t DAP, down by INR 1,000/t w-o-w from INR 45,400/t on 1 May 2026.

Outlook

ERW patra pipe prices are likely to remain under pressure in the coming week amid persistently weak demand and cautious buying activity. Trade activity is expected to stay largely need-based until prices stabilise. Price trends will also largely depend on movements in raw material prices and the pace of recovery in end-user demand.