P&G to Raise Liquid, Powder Detergent Prices

Procter & Gamble is increasing the prices of its powder and liquid laundry detergent products in the U.S. by an average of 6.4%, effective Sept. 18.

The increased prices that the company will charge wholesalers will offset higher costs of raw materials and product research, company spokeswoman Molly Humbert said. P&G does not set retail prices but anticipates similar price increases at the retail level, she said.

The price increases affect Tide, Cheer, Gain, Era and Bold brands. The increases average 5% for powdered laundry detergents and 8% for liquid versions. P&G has not raised prices of its liquid laundry detergents for two years or of its powder detergents for 10 years, Humbert said.

The higher prices mean the average family will spend an additional penny a wash load, or about $4 more a year, on laundry detergent, Humbert said. That is based on the assumption that a consumer with a family launders an average 7.5 loads each week.