According to RBI corporate sector data, by how much did raw material costs increase for manufacturing companies in Q3 FY26?

Manufacturing companies experienced a 12.5% increase in raw material costs during Q3 FY26, according to RBI corporate performance data. In the previous year, the increase in raw material costs had been 6.2%, indicating a much sharper rise in input costs during the current period. Higher raw material expenses are an important factor affecting corporate profitability because they increase production costs for manufacturers. Companies must either absorb these costs, reduce margins, or pass them on to consumers through higher prices.