MUMBAI, May 21 -- Indian FMCG products might get costlier on account of the war in West Asia as companies use up their buffer raw material stocks and shipments of key ingredients, including crude oil and oil-derived products, slow down because of global tensions, experts said.

Persistent crude oil-linked inflation could keep companies cautious on pricing, margins and expansion plans. As inflationary pressures build, consumers are expected to cut back on discretionary spending and reduce shopping frequency.

"People will start to look at value for money often. So, some of this trading down will happen," said Anand Ramanathan, partner, consumer industry leader, at Deloitte South Asia.

A recent report by global consumer data and market res...