ACs, TVs & Washing Machines' Prices To Rise From October 1: All You Need To Know

Starting October 1, appliance and electronics manufacturers will hike prices for air conditioners, LED TVs, and washing machines, according to industry reports. This marks the third price increase this year for the sector. The reasons behind the price hike include higher costs for copper, steel, aluminum, and crude oil derivatives, along with increased freight charges, currency fluctuations, and instability in the Middle East.

Air conditioner prices are expected to increase by 5-8 percent right away, with some companies also raising prices on washing machines, refrigerators, and LED TVs by 3-4 percent. Other manufacturers are still evaluating the full impact. Companies such as Blue Star, Godrej Appliances, Haier, Daikin, and Super Plastronics (SPPL) have confirmed or already applied increases ranging from 4-10 percent, as per PTI.

Industry sources suggest that LG and Bosch Home Comfort (Hitachi) have raised air conditioner prices by around 5 percent. Blue Star MD B Thiagarajan revealed to PTI that costs have surged by approximately 15 percent since the previous festive season. However, a 10 percent GST benefit will offset some of the price increase for consumers, reducing the net impact to about 5 percent.

Godrej's Kamal Nandi noted that another price hike is "inevitable" as input costs have risen by 8-10 percent since the last revision. With pre-purchases in August and September, inventory purchased at older rates should maintain steady retail prices through Diwali, with the new prices fully implemented afterward, according to the report.