TVs, washing machines, ACs & other consumer electronic prices may go up this Oct

Air-conditioners, LED TVs, washing machines and other consumer electronics may see price increases in October, according to industry reports. Several companies are planning to raise prices by around 5-8 percent, as the festive shopping season approaches. The price hikes are attributed to higher costs for copper, steel, aluminium and crude oil derivatives, along with increased freight costs and currency fluctuations. This is the third price increase in the consumer electronics sector this year.

Blue Star's Managing Director, B Thiagarajan, explained that AC and deep-freezer prices have already gone up by 5-8 percent. The company has increased its input costs due to the war, causing copper, steel, and plastics to become more expensive. Thiagarajan mentioned that this is the company's third price increase this year, but GST benefits of about 10 percent will reduce the net impact on consumers to around 5 percent.

Godrej Appliances' Executive Vice President, Kamal Nandi, stated that rising commodity prices have made another price hike inevitable. He confirmed that prices will increase by 5-7 percent across various categories, with some brands implementing the hikes starting from October and others from November. Haier India plans to raise room AC prices by around 5 percent from October 1, and a 2-3 percent increase for LED TVs and washing machines.

Customers may still be able to purchase some products at older prices during the early festive shopping period. Dealers are holding inventory bought before the latest price increases. However, availability and pricing will vary depending on individual brands and retailers. Additionally, TV and washing machine prices may also go up by around 3-4 percent. Smaller screen TV sizes could see a price increase of up to 20 percent, while larger screen sizes may see an increase of up to 10 percent.