Indian Consumers Face Festive Season Price Hikes on Air Conditioners and Electronics

Indian consumers are facing a festive season blow as leading home appliance and consumer electronics manufacturers plan to hike prices of air conditioners, LED TVs, and washing machines starting October 1. The price increases, which mark the industry's third round in 2026, are driven by soaring metal prices, fluctuating currencies, and geopolitical turmoil in West Asia.

Copper, steel, aluminium, and crude oil derivatives costs have surged, alongside escalating freight charges, according to a report by PTI. Air-conditioner prices will witness an immediate 5-8% jump, while several manufacturers are pushing up rates for washing machines, refrigerators, and LED TVs by 3-4%. Others are currently assessing the situation to gauge the total impact.

Major market players including Blue Star, Godrej Appliance, Haier, Daikin, and Super Plastronics (SPPL) have either confirmed or already executed price adjustments ranging from 4-10%, as per the PTI report. Industry sources also indicate that LG and Bosch Home Comfort (Hitachi) have raised AC prices by approximately 5%.

Blue Star MD B Thiagarajan pointed out that prices of ACs and deep freezers have already climbed 5-8%. 'All the commodity prices have been going up because of the war. Copper, steel and plastics have all become costlier,' he told PTI, noting that while costs are up roughly 15% compared to last year's festive period, GST benefits of around 10% will reduce the net impact on buyers to about 5%.