Steel utensils, cookers, non-stick cookware all costlier in June as metal prices climb; firm trend seen till Q3

New Delhi: Kitchen utensils and cookware became more expensive in June as higher global metal prices and elevated stainless steel production costs pushed up retail prices, with costs expected to remain firm over the next few months.

Inflation in stainless steel utensils accelerated to 7.1% year-on-year in June from 6.4% in May and 4.5% in January. Prices of pressure cookers and pressure pans rose 4.7% last month, while inflation in other metal utensils, including non-stick cookware, increased to 4.8% from 4.2% a year earlier.

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"The major reason is the rise in metal prices due to the West Asia conflict," said Madan Sabnavis, chief economist at Bank of Baroda.

He said new households setting up homes are likely to bear the maximum brunt of the increase.

Higher stainless steel production costs during the first half of 2026 have been the key driver of the increase in utensil prices .

"Prices of 304-grade stainless steel have been supported by higher nickel and ferro alloy costs, elevated energy prices and tighter raw material availability, particularly from Indonesia, the world's largest nickel supplier," said Ashima Tyagi, economics associate director, pricing and purchasing, at S&P Global Market Intelligence.

She added that manufacturers have gradually passed these higher input costs on to consumers, resulting in faster inflation in stainless steel cookware.

Inflation in other crockery and utensils also edged up to 3.8% in June compared with 3.4% in May, while casseroles, thermos, flask and thermoware recorded 3% inflation against 2.7% over the same period.

Outlook

According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, stainless steel prices are expected to remain firm globally through the July-September quarter, as higher nickel, chrome, and molybdenum costs continue to keep alloy surcharges elevated.

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Tyagi said the impact is higher replacement and purchase costs for household kitchenware for Indian consumers.

"While stainless steel utensil prices may continue to rise in the short term, easing alloy costs and persistent oversupply across Asia are expected to moderate inflationary pressures later in 2026 and into 2027. From a purchasing perspective, the fourth quarter may offer more favourable buying conditions if the anticipated softening in raw material prices materialises," she added.