Tide is raising prices on laundry

Procter & Gamble (PG) said Wednesday that it was raising prices by an average of about 8% on retail customers next month for its Tide and Gain laundry detergents, Downy fabric softener and Bounce dryer sheets.

P&G said it’s raising prices to offset some cost pressures, including transportation, labor and commodities it uses to manufacture its products. The US producer price index, a gauge for prices manufacturers are paying, rose 9.7% annually.

P&G makes many of the most recognizable brands in US homes, such as Gillette, Charmin, Bounty, Pampers and Crest.

Moeller said P&G has raised prices on all 10 of its product categories in the United States and told retailers Tuesday it will be increasing prices on some personal health care brands in April, although he didn’t specify which ones. (P&G makes Metamucil, Neurobion, Pepto-Bismol and Vicks.)

P&G expects the higher prices will drive sales growth in the coming months as its increases take effect.

Although consumers are already paying more for many household products, demand remains strong, he said. “We haven’t seen noticeable changes in consumer behavior.”