Russia Faces a 30% Rise in Car Painting Costs Amid Supply Chain Struggles
Market observers in Russia report that both the cost of car painting and the price of painter services are climbing by about 30 percent in the near term. The information circulated by the Telegram channel Mash highlights a notable shift in the automotive body work sector, with implications for car owners and service providers alike. The escalation is tied to tighter margins on materials, labor, and logistics, creating a ripple effect across the value chain.
Historically, a full body repaint could cost around 120,000 rubles. Current indicators suggest this figure is approaching 180,000 rubles as prices for quality automotive paints and related consumables rise. The acceleration in paint costs is attributed to a more constrained supply chain. High-quality materials sourced from Europe and the United States experience longer delivery times, sometimes extending to six months, while a flood of lower-quality options from other markets has entered the scene. This mix of supply disruption and quality concerns has driven up overall material expenses for body shops and independent technicians.
In Mash’s update, the labor component of painting services has also increased by roughly 30 percent. The cost of color matching and selection has climbed to about 550 rubles per 100 grams of paint, up from 320 rubles, and the price per liter of automotive paint has risen to around 2,300 rubles, up from 1,200 rubles. Similarly, the paste used in body work has become more expensive, priced near 1,300 rubles per kilogram compared with previous levels around 700 rubles. These shifts reflect broader inflationary pressures affecting both raw materials and skilled labor in the sector. [Source: Mash Telegram channel attributed]
Industry observers note a broader context beyond paint and labor costs. The automotive aftermarket is contending with evolving supply routes, shifting demand patterns, and heightened scrutiny of material quality as manufacturers and service providers navigate a more volatile market environment. In related industry news, Ford has reportedly reduced production of the F-150 Lightning pickups, a move that underscores broader challenges within the pickup segment and the wider North American and international automotive ecosystems. This development may influence repair and repaint demand in the coming months, as voltage, battery, and body architecture considerations intersect with surface finishing needs. [Attribution: Mash channel, Ford reporting summaries]