Mumbai, March 26: The financial burden on the public is set to increase as prices for essential medicines, including paracetamol and antibiotics, will rise starting April 1, 2026. The government has approved a price increase of approximately 0.6% for drugs listed in the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM).
This price hike will affect over 1,000 essential medications. The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) stated, “Based on the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) data provided by the Economic Advisory Office of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the annual change in WPI for the period of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 is (+) 0.64956%.” Adjusted prices will apply to more than 1,000 drugs in the NLEM.
Which Major Medicines Will Be Affected?
Price adjustments for listed (controlled) medicines are permitted once a year. The essential medicines list includes paracetamol, the antibiotic azithromycin used for bacterial infections, anemia medications, and various vitamins and minerals. Some drugs used for treating moderate to severe COVID-19 patients and steroids are also included.
According to a pharmaceutical industry official, this modest increase comes at a time when rising input costs due to the Iran conflict have severely impacted profit margins in the industry.
Significant Increases in Prices
The Economic Times reports that due to the ongoing war, prices for several key active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and solvents have surged, making it unlikely that this increase will provide any relief.
For instance, in recent weeks, API prices have risen by an average of 30-35%. Industry officials noted that the price of glycerin has increased by 64%, while paracetamol prices have gone up by 25% and ciprofloxacin by 30%. The cost of packaging materials, such as polyvinyl chloride and aluminum foil, has also seen a 40% rise.
Pharma Lobby’s Response
A representative from a pharmaceutical lobby group, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, “The costs of glycerin, propylene glycol, and solvents used in liquid medications like syrups and drops have increased significantly. The prices of intermediates have also risen considerably. Given this situation, we need a more substantial increase, and we will present our case to the NPPA.”
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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