Due to the ongoing nine-day war in Russia-Ukraine, the raw material reaching the Indian pharma industry has become expensive. The country is dependent on 22 percent of the aluminum it imports from Russia. Due to the war, the supply is cut off. The rise in aluminum rates and the price of London Metal Exchange has increased from 2700 to $ 4000 per metric ton. This has started affecting the pharmaceutical industry. Sumit Singla, vice-president of Himachal unit of Indian Industry Association, said that in June-July 2021, the raw material of aluminum polyster, which was earlier Rs 230 per kg, has now reached Rs 400.
At the same time, the raw material of Bilster, which was Rs 270 per kg, is now available for Rs 500. Aluminum is used in pharmaceutical packaging. Birla’s Hindalco Company has given priority to the Indian and overseas market in view of the increased global demand for aluminum. This has increased the price of aluminum in the Indian market. Indian vendors are not giving supplies on time despite taking orders. The central government has immediately appealed to NALCO (government rate) to increase its production in the Indian domestic market and speed up the supply.
