Kolkata-based Berger Paints has informed that the company has decided to hike prices in the solvent-based decorative paint segment effective June 1, 2008.

The company is increasing the price of solvent-based and enamel-based paints, by 10 per cent and primer by 7 to 8 per cent. The solvent-based decorative paint segment constitutes nearly 37 per cent of Berger Paints India's net turnover.

The company is eying to pass on the rise in inputs costs (6-7 per cent) over the last one year to consumers. The intense rally in crude oil prices has pushed up prices of oil-based inputs, such as mineral turpentine, xylene and pthalic anhydride.

Few days earlier, Berger entered into a partnership with Italian Becker Acroma Spa to roll out water-based and polyurethane wood-finish products for the Indian market.

Recently, Berger Paints also signed an agreement to acquire Polish paint firm Bolix, a leading manufacturer of external insulation finishing system (EIFS), through its Cyprus-based subsidiary.

Presently, the company is working on its upcoming automotive paint plant at Jejuri, near Pune, with a capacity of 750 klpm. The plant is scheduled to be on stream by June 2009 with an investment of Rs 55 crore.