Business Apr. 09, 2008 - 05:16AM JST ( 1 )

TOKYO —

Nippon Paper Group Inc, Mitsubishi Paper Mills Ltd and Hokuetsu Paper Mills Ltd said Tuesday the three will raise by at least 15% their prices for printing and thermal paper as well as other products for shipments from June 1.

The increases are in response to rising fuel prices and surging prices of raw materials such as recycled paper and woodchip. The three firms last raised their prices in July 2007.

Oji Paper Co, the industry leader, has already unveiled a plan to increase paper product prices from June. Daio Paper Corp last month announced a similar move effective from May 21.

JCN