Make no mistake, Harman/Ilford is not a charity. Yes there are people there that are steeped in B&W photography and care deeply about the trade, but at the end of the day, it's a company, and you should expect it to behave like one. Companies exist to make money. I find it interesting and a little bewildering how a fair number of analog photographers seem to have the position that the various companies should exist and make the products that they use, but not actually make any money doing so. Everybody knows this stuff costs money to make, it costs money to ship, it costs money to carry inventory and market, and yet, any time there's even so much as a sniffle of prices changing people act like the company has to justify it. ??? The company is subject to price fluctuations that they have no control over in order to get that package of film into your hands. I'd rather they have a healthy sustainable margin with some cash in the bank and be quick about adjusting than to try to hold the line and eek out an existence and only change prices when the doors are about to close.
That means you have to pay for the materials you use. If it's a hobby for you, then don't spend more than your disposable income will allow. If it's a business for you, then you should do what every other business does and pass your costs on to the people paying you. Harman/Ilford doesn't owe anybody an explanation or justification for changing the price on anything. If it's more than you're willing to pay, then don't buy it. If they're a responsible business, they'll adjust.