ACs, TVs refrigerators to become more expensive:Prices to rise from 1 Oct due to costlier raw materials

Customers planning to buy electronics and consumer appliances during the festive season are likely to face a higher financial burden. Companies are set to raise the prices of products such as ACs, LED TVs, washing machines and refrigerators by up to 8% from 1 October. Companies have taken this decision because of a rise in the prices of raw materials linked to copper, steel, aluminium and crude oil in the international market, along with currency fluctuations. This will be the third price hike by the consumer electronics industry in 2026. ACs to become 5-8% more expensive; TV and washing machine prices to rise by 3-4% According to industry experts, air conditioner prices will see the steepest increase, rising by 5% to 8%. Prices of washing machines, refrigerators and LED TVs may also increase by 3% to 4%. Major companies such as Blue Star, Godrej Appliances, Haier, Daikin and Super Plastronics have confirmed price increases of 4% to 10%. LG and Bosch Home Comfort, or Hitachi, have raised AC prices by around 5%, while Panasonic is reviewing the situation before increasing prices and will decide on a price hike afterwards. Find out what the heads of the companies said Haier India President N.S. Satish said copper prices had risen from $8,000-$9,000 per metric tonne a year ago to $14,500 per metric tonne. An AC uses 3 to 4 kg of copper. We are raising AC prices by 5% from 1 October. A total increase of 15% is expected in different phases between October and January. Daikin India CMD Kanwarjeet Jawa said that the strengthening of the dollar against the rupee and a 25-35% increase in commodity prices had put heavy pressure on companies. “We have already implemented an 8-10% increase from 16 September.” Videotex Director Angad Bajaj said that small-screen TVs could become up to 20% more expensive after Diwali, while larger-screen TVs could become up to 10% more expensive because of rising supply chain and freight costs. Limited impact of price increases on festive-season sales Companies believe that the impact of price increases on festive-season sales will remain limited. This is because most dealers and distributors have already purchased old stock under the pre-buying schemes for August and September. The supply pipeline contains stock that is one to one and a half months old, allowing customers to buy electronic goods at the old prices until Diwali. The new prices will come into full effect after Diwali.