Chennai, Oct. 6 -- Coimbatore-based MSMEs and industry associations have urged the government to take urgent measures to address what they described as an 'acute and unprecedented' rise in prices and shortage of key raw materials, including steel, pig iron, aluminium and copper.

In a representation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Joint Council Associations of Coimbatore said steel prices had risen by around Rs 8,000-10,000 per tonne between August and September 2026, despite wholesale price data showing fluctuations and a decline during the period.

"Though the WPI comparison indicates fluctuations and a decrease in steel prices, the actual market conditions are adverse," the associations said, warning that the sharp increase was af...