MSMEs tap working capital amid rising input cost pressures

Synopsis

MSMEs and other industries are experiencing higher working capital utilization as input costs escalate due to the US-Israel conflict. This trend, driven by slower cash flows and margin pressures, is prompting lenders to ensure adequate liquidity support. Sectors like hospitality, chemicals, and basmati rice exporters are expected to see increased drawdowns and fresh sanctions as they navigate rising costs.

Mumbai: Lenders are witnessing higher utilisation of working capital limits by MSMEs and other industries as input cost pressures rise due to the ongoing US-Israel conflict. Bankers told ET as cash flows slow across the economy, MSMEs are increasingly relying on working capital to manage operations.

"As input costs rise, margins come under pressure, which can lead to higher working capital utilisation as cash flows get stretched," said Prashanth TS, head - mid corporate group, Axis Bank. "MSMEs typically operate at utilisation levels of 70-75%, and in periods of heightened volatility, these levels tend to move higher."

He added that, from a banking standpoint, this is not a solvency challenge but an input-cost inflation issue for MSMEs. For lenders, the leadership focus is on anticipating these pressures early and ensuring adequate, well-calibrated liquidity support without compromising credit discipline.

Sectors such as hospitality, ceramics, chemicals, steel and fertilisers are expected to see higher drawdowns of existing limits, as well as fresh working capital sanctions, as firms navigate rising costs and tighter liquidity conditions.

"Different pockets will have different impacts. In general, when cash flow movement in the economy slows down, working capital will go up," the MSME head of another leading private sector bank said. "Because faster the cash flow cycles move, lower is the utilisation because you churn your money."

For domestic basmati rice exporters, Iran is the third-largest destination, accounting for about 13% of total exports in fiscal 2025. According to Crisil Ratings, rising prices of raw materials and imported fertilisers are likely to increase working capital requirements for industry players, while also raising the government's subsidy bill by an estimated ₹20,000-25,000 crore.

"We anticipate an increase in working capital loans, worsening corporate credit metrics, worsening metrics for SMEs and households and an increase in credit costs," CreditSights - a Fitch Group company, said in a report.

According to Crisil Ratings, sectors such as oil refining, aviation and crude-linked industries - including specialty chemicals, paints, petrochemicals and synthetic textiles - may be affected by rising crude oil prices. Additionally, companies involved in basmati rice, fruits and nuts trade may see heightened impact.

"The extent of the impact will depend on each sector's ability to pass on the incremental costs," the rating agency said in a report.

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