Winning Bizness Desk

Mumbai.Consumer electronics prices set to rise up to 8% from October 1 as raw material costs climb sharply

Consumers planning to buy air conditioners, refrigerators, LED TVs and washing machines during the festive season are set to face higher prices from October 1, as companies prepare to raise prices by up to 8%.

The increase has been linked to higher international prices of copper, aluminium, steel and crude oil-related raw materials, along with currency fluctuations. This will be the third price increase by the consumer electronics industry in 2026, taking the cumulative rise in product prices to around 23% in three rounds.

AC prices may rise 5-8%, while TVs get costlier

Air conditioners are expected to see the sharpest increase, with prices likely to rise by 5% to 8% from October. Washing machines, refrigerators and LED televisions are expected to become 3% to 4% more expensive. Several major companies have already confirmed price increases ranging from 4% to 10%, depending on the product category and brand.

Companies that have announced or indicated price hikes include Blue Star, Godrej Appliances, Haier, Daikin and Super Plastronics.

Copper prices emerge as major cost pressure

Copper has become a key concern for air-conditioner manufacturers because of the quantity used in each unit. Haier India president N S Satish said copper prices had risen from around $8,000-$9,000 per metric tonne a year ago to about $14,500 per metric tonne.

An air conditioner typically uses around 3-4 kg of copper.

Haier India will increase AC prices by 5% from October 1.

Satish also said the company expected prices to rise in phases between October and January, with the total increase estimated at around 15% during the period.

LG, Bosch raise prices as Panasonic reviews decision

LG and Bosch Home Comfort, which sells Hitachi air conditioners, have already raised AC prices by around 5%. Panasonic is reviewing the cost situation before taking a decision on a price increase.

The latest moves come as manufacturers face pressure from higher input costs across several raw materials used in consumer electronics and home appliances.

• Copper prices have risen sharply over the past year.
• Aluminium and steel costs have also increased.
• Crude oil-linked raw material prices have added to manufacturing costs.
• Currency fluctuations have further affected input costs.

Third price increase comes during festive buying season

The October increase is the third round of price hikes by the consumer electronics industry this year. The combined effect means consumers have already seen a significant increase in the prices of several appliances during 2026.

The latest hike comes just as manufacturers and retailers enter the key festive sales period, when demand for large appliances and consumer electronics normally rises.

Old stock may protect buyers until Diwali

Companies expect the impact of higher prices on festive-season sales to remain limited initially. Dealers and distributors have already stocked up during pre-buying schemes offered in August and September. As a result, a sizeable quantity of products bought at earlier prices remains available in the distribution network.

Supply chain holds older inventory for now

The existing supply pipeline has around 1 to 1.5 months of old stock. This means customers may still be able to purchase some ACs, televisions, refrigerators and washing machines at earlier prices during the initial part of the festive season.

The benefit of this older inventory is expected to continue until around Diwali, depending on how quickly individual products are sold.

New prices expected to take full effect later

The new prices will gradually make their way through the retail market as old inventory is exhausted. Companies expect the revised pricing to be fully reflected after Diwali, when products purchased by distributors at higher input costs become a larger part of retail inventory.

For customers planning major appliance purchases, the timing of the purchase could therefore affect the price they pay.

• ACs face the biggest immediate increase of 5-8%.
• TVs, refrigerators and washing machines may rise 3-4%.
• Some companies have already announced increases of up to 10%.
• Old inventory could remain available for another 1-1.5 months.
• Higher prices are expected to be fully visible after Diwali.