India: ERW patra pipe prices rise w-o-w across key regions

• Higher raw material costs continue to support pipe prices
• Uncertainty over price sustainability keeps buying activity limited

ERW patra pipe prices (41-60 mm OD) rose w-o-w across key regions in the week ended 4 September 2026, as higher raw material costs continued to push up production costs and support suppliers’ offers. However, the price increase was not accompanied by a corresponding improvement in trading activity, with buyers largely restricting purchases to immediate requirements amid cautious sentiment at elevated price levels.

However, on a d-o-d basis, prices showed mixed trends across regions. In Raipur, prices remained unchanged at INR 49,000/t on 4 September. In contrast, Mandi Gobindgarh prices declined by INR 200/t to INR 52,200/t exw on 4 September, from INR 52,400/t exw a day earlier. Listed prices are ex-works (Exw) and exclude 18% GST.

Weekly price trends

Raipur: ERW patra pipe prices in Raipur rose by INR 400/t w-o-w to INR 49,000/t exw on 4 September from INR 48,600/t a week earlier. The increase was primarily driven by higher raw material prices, which raised production costs for pipe manufacturers and encouraged suppliers to raise offers. However, the price increase did not translate into stronger buying activity, with buyers remaining cautious at elevated price levels and limiting purchases largely to immediate requirements. Moreover, the Janmashtami-related slowdown further weighed on market activity during the week, keeping participation limited, particularly towards the weekend.

A Raipur-based manufacturer stated, “Prices have surged to recent highs, making buyers cautious about building inventories at current levels. With this week’s rally largely supported by higher raw material costs, buyers are assessing whether the increase can be sustained and are reluctant to make sizeable purchases. Most are therefore adopting a wait-and-watch stance and limiting purchases to immediate requirements, particularly as they anticipate the possibility of a price correction. Unless downstream buying strengthens to keep pace with rising prices, suppliers may find it difficult to sustain further increases.”

Mandi Gobindgarh: ERW patra pipe prices in Mandi Gobindgarh increased by INR 700/t w-o-w to INR 52,200/t exw on 4 September from INR 51,500/t a week earlier, led by higher raw material prices, particularly scrap. A Mandi-based source stated, “Scrap buying activity in Mandi Gobindgarh has remained moderate over the past week. Arrivals have been steady to good, but demand from the finished-steel segment remains limited, keeping buyers cautious and purchases measured.”

Higher scrap prices subsequently raised input costs for pipe manufacturers, pushing up production costs and keeping offers firm. However, buying activity remained limited as buyers became increasingly cautious at elevated price levels and held back on larger purchases, preferring to wait for clearer signals on whether the price rally could be sustained before building fresh inventory. This cautious buying weighed on prices towards the weekend, resulting in marginal corrections as suppliers faced limited scope to raise offers further amid weak demand.

Raw material prices

HR strip (patra): HR strip (patra) prices in Raipur rose by INR 200/t w-o-w to INR 48,200/t exw on 4 September from INR 48,000/t on 27 August. Similarly, prices in Mandi Gobindgarh increased by INR 700/t w-o-w to INR 51,200/t exw on 4 September from INR 50,500/t a week earlier.

Billet: Billet prices in Raipur surged by INR 200/t w-o-w to INR 41,900/t exw on 4 September from INR 41,700/t a week earlier. Meanwhile, billet prices in Mandi Gobindgarh increased by INR 1,050/t w-o-w to INR 46,350/t DAP on 4 September from INR 45,300/t on 27 August.

Outlook

ERW patra pipe prices are likely to remain largely stable in the coming days, as elevated HR strip and billet prices continue to provide cost support and keep suppliers’ offers firm. However, trading activity remains limited, with buyers cautious about committing to higher-priced inventory amid uncertainty over the sustainability of the recent rally, limiting significant upward movement.

Janmashtami-related slowdown also weighed on market activity during the week, particularly towards the weekend. As festive-related disruptions ease, a pickup in downstream buying could provide further support to prices, especially if input costs remain firm. Until then, buyers are likely to remain cautious about building inventory until clearer price signals emerge, keeping the market largely rangebound.