New Delhi, Oct. 29 -- A sharp rise in polymer prices and shipping costs since the outbreak of the West Asia conflict has squeezed margins and strained working capital for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) manufacturing plastic products, raising the risk of higher consumer prices.

MSME margins have nearly halved as manufacturers struggle to pass on higher input costs to customers, according to four industry and company executives cited by Mint.

The pressure has intensified since the conflict began on February 28, with rising crude oil prices pushing up polymer costs.

Brent crude was trading around USD 114 a barrel, compared with USD 72 when the conflict began. Industry data showed that prices of different polymers rose 16-41 p...