New Delhi, March 2 -- Paint stocks, including Berger Paints, Asian Paints, and Kansai Nerolac, were trading with deep losses in Monday's session, March 2, reflecting broader market weakness as tensions in the Middle East escalated following unprecedented joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran over the weekend, triggering a sharp jump in crude oil prices.

Rising crude oil prices are a concern for India, which imports around 85% of its crude requirements.

Sectors that rely heavily on crude-based raw materials-such as the paint industry-are likely to be significantly impacted.

Higher crude prices increase input costs, compress gross margins, and can weigh on profitability for paint manufacturers. Companies may attempt to pass on the higher ...