Consumer companies assess impact of nationwide lockdown on businesses

Makers of hygiene and essential items may not feel the pinch but discretionary categories have a long road to recovery

Factories, offices and markets have fallen silent for now. As the lockdown drags on and movement remains restricted for all in India, consumer companies are assessing the impact of the shutdown on their businesses.

Though the Centre has clarified that the lockdown will not extend beyond April 14, states may still take their time to lift the curfew in their regions, de­pending on the number of cases that emerge every day. The picture hardly inspires confidence in companies, keen to protect their employees even as they aspire to continue business operations.

A snap poll by the Confederation of Indian Industry on Sunday