Festive Shopping Set to Get Costlier as Electronics Makers Hike Prices

Electronics and appliance manufacturers are planning to raise prices by 5-8% from October 1, just ahead of the peak festive shopping season. This will be the industry's third round of price hikes in 2026. Companies including Blue Star, Godrej Appliances, Haier, Daikin, and Super Plastronics have already announced or confirmed price increases of 4-10% across categories.

Air-conditioner prices are expected to rise by 5-8%, while some manufacturers are also raising prices of washing machines, refrigerators, and LED TVs by 3-4%. Haier plans to raise room air-conditioner prices by around 5% from October 1, with further increases possible after Diwali and again in January if input costs remain elevated.

According to industry executives, higher costs of copper, steel, aluminium, and crude derivatives, along with currency volatility and rising freight expenses, are squeezing margins. Kamal Nandi, business head and executive vice president at Godrej Enterprises Group, said another industry-wide price increase had become 'inevitable' after commodity prices rose 8-10% since the previous revision.

Manufacturers are divided on how much the higher prices will affect demand, with some expecting limited impact due to distributors having already stocked products at older prices through pre-buying schemes in August and September. Others expect consumers to become more cautious as prices rise.