The CEO of Benjamin Moore has added his voice to the chorus of manufacturers cautioning that consumers are pulling back on paint purchases.

Dan Calkins made the remarks at the annual meeting for parent company Berkshire Hathaway shareholders last Friday.

“What we’re seeing on the ground is some customers who traditionally buy our more premium products are trading down to mid-range products,” Calkins said, according to Reuters. “They are spending more on gas and groceries.”

We previously reported that PPG was warning about price increasess tied to rising costs, and just last week Sherwin-Williams struck a cautious tone about softening residential demand during an otherwise solid earnings call.

With three major paint manufacturers all singing from the same hymn sheet, it’s fair to say painting contractors are feeling the squeeze.

Manufacturers are raising prices to offset higher costs, including petroleum-related disruptions tied to conflict in the Middle East.

At the same time, consumers are paying more at the pump and at the grocery store, so some are delaying home renovation projects or opting for lower-cost coatings.

Keep that in mind when you’re out there bidding jobs. If it feels tougher right now, you’re not alone. Hopefully we’ll see some relief at the pumps soon.