Kerala candle industry in crisis as paraffin wax prices soar

Kochi: The candle manufacturing sector in Kerala is reeling under a crisis following a steep hike in the price of paraffin wax, a key raw material.

Industry representatives allege that the crisis has been triggered by the central government-owned Chennai Petroleum Corporation Refinery and Assam Oil Refinery, which have increased wax prices despite no corresponding rise in global crude oil rates.

Since January 2025, the price of paraffin wax has risen by approximately ₹50 per kilogram, bringing the current cost to around ₹150 per kg. This sharp hike has placed a significant burden on small-scale candle producers, especially those catering to domestic and religious markets.

The Kerala Candle Manufacturers' Association warned that continued price hikes will lead to an increase in candle prices and a likely drop in consumption. “The pricing is completely unscientific,” the Association stated, adding that such unchecked rises would make basic candles unaffordable for common households and religious institutions.

Seeking government support, the association has approached Industries Minister P. Rajeeve, urging immediate intervention to control the price of wax and protect the livelihoods of small-scale candle makers across the state.