Cable & Telecom Gear Makers Face Cost Squeeze from West Asia Conflict

India’s cable and telecom equipment manufacturers are grappling with rising input costs, export disruptions, and supply chain uncertainty triggered by the US‑Iran conflict. Companies such as

, , !RR Kabel , Sterlite Technologies (STL), and are facing sharp price hikes in key raw materials like PVC, copper, aluminium, helium, preform, and polymers, squeezing margins even as domestic demand remains resilient. Industry Impact Material cost surge: Prices of PVC, copper, aluminium, and helium have risen sharply since March 2026. Export disruptions: Freight delays and higher insurance premiums have affected shipments to West Asia and Europe. US tariff relief: Earlier tariff headwinds have eased, but geopolitical tensions have introduced new cost pressures. Volume growth: Limited, though value growth remains positive as companies pass on costs to consumers. Company Highlights Polycab India: Implemented cumulative price hikes of 18–19% between January and March; expects demand recovery in FY27. Havells India: Took a blended 8% price hike in cable and wire business; focusing on domestic institutional sales. RR Kabel: Adjusting prices regularly to manage volatility. HFCL: Cable sales up 15–20%, supported by hyperscaler demand. Sterlite Technologies (STL): EBITDA margin at 15.1%, up 4.5 pp sequentially; targets 20% margin by FY27 driven by data‑centre connectivity. CFO Ajay Jhunjhunwala said STL is negotiating long‑term cost structures instead of spot pricing to mitigate volatility. Conclusion The US‑Iran war has created a cost‑inflation shock for India’s cable and telecom gear makers, but companies are responding with strategic price hikes, supply‑chain diversification, and long‑term procurement contracts. While near‑term margins remain under pressure, sustained infrastructure and data‑connectivity demand could help stabilize profitability through FY27.