The festive season is usually the time when consumers wait for discounts on televisions, air-conditioners and home appliances. This year, however, shoppers may have to deal with a different equation. Several manufacturers are preparing another round of price increases just as Navratri and Diwali approach.
The latest hike is expected to affect air-conditioners, televisions, refrigerators, washing machines and other consumer appliances. AC prices could see some of the sharpest increases, with hikes of around 5-8% expected across several brands. Some companies have already revised prices, while others are preparing to do so from October 1.
Third Price Hike For Several Appliance Brands In 2026
The upcoming increase marks the third round of price hikes in 2026 for several manufacturers. Companies are facing pressure from rising input and operating costs, making it difficult to absorb the entire increase without passing some of it on to consumers. Copper, aluminium, steel, plastics and crude-based materials have all become important cost factors for manufacturers. Freight and supply-chain expenses, along with currency movements, are also adding pressure.
The timing is particularly important because the latest price revisions come just before India’s major festive shopping period. Navratri and Diwali traditionally see strong demand for consumer electronics and home appliances.
AC Prices Could Rise 5-8%
Air-conditioners are likely to see one of the biggest impacts from the latest round of price increases. Several brands have already announced or implemented higher prices. Blue Star has raised prices of ACs and deep freezers by around 5-8%. Haier is planning to increase room AC prices by approximately 5% from October 1.
Daikin has already implemented an 8-10% price increase from September 16. Meanwhile, LG and Bosch Home Comfort, which owns the Hitachi air-conditioner brand, have also increased AC prices by around 5%. Godrej Appliances has indicated that price increases of around 5-7% across categories are likely, although the timing could differ depending on the product.
For consumers planning to purchase an AC before winter, the timing of the purchase could therefore make a difference, especially if a preferred model is still available at its older price.
Television Prices May Also Go Up
Television buyers are also likely to feel the impact of the upcoming price revisions. Super Plastronics, which sells brands including Thomson, Kodak and Blaupunkt in India, plans to increase television prices by around 7% after October.
Other manufacturers are also dealing with higher input costs. However, the extent of the increase could differ between brands and product categories. Some industry estimates suggest that smaller-screen televisions could see sharper price increases than larger models. The final retail price, however, will depend on the model, inventory levels and the offers available at the time of purchase.
Washing Machines And Refrigerators To Get Costlier
The price pressure is not limited to ACs and televisions. Washing machines and refrigerators could also become more expensive. Haier plans to increase prices of washing machines and other product categories by around 2-3%. Refrigerator prices could rise by around 3-4% for certain products and brands.
The actual increase will vary depending on the manufacturer, model and category. This means consumers could see different price movements even within the same appliance segment.
Why Are Appliance Prices Increasing?
One of the biggest cost pressures for AC manufacturers is copper. Industry executives have pointed to the significant rise in copper prices over the past year. Copper is particularly important for air-conditioner manufacturing. Aluminium, steel and resin prices have also increased, while freight and supply-chain expenses continue to affect manufacturers.
With several input costs moving higher at the same time, manufacturers are finding it increasingly difficult to absorb the additional expenses. Passing part of the increase to customers is therefore becoming a way to manage these pressures.
Existing Stock Could Still Be Available At Older Prices
There could be some relief for consumers who are planning to shop around the festive season. Dealers and distributors stocked up on products at older prices during August and September through pre-buying schemes. As a result, some retailers may still have inventory purchased before the latest price revisions.
This means customers could potentially find certain products being sold at older prices even after October 1. However, this will depend on the retailer and available stock. Once the older inventory is exhausted, the revised prices are expected to become more visible in the market.
Haier Could Increase Prices Again
The October hike may not necessarily be the last increase. Haier has indicated that it could implement another 5% increase around December and a further 5% increase in January if commodity costs continue to remain elevated.
If those increases happen, the cumulative price increase between October and January could reach around 15% for the affected products. However, future price revisions will depend on commodity prices and other input costs at the time.
Festive Discounts Could Offer Some Relief
There is another factor consumers need to consider. The price increases are arriving just as brands and retailers prepare their festive sales. Manufacturers and retailers are expected to offer discounts, cashback deals, exchange benefits and EMI schemes during Navratri and Diwali. These promotions could partly offset the impact of higher product prices. Therefore, the official price of an appliance may not always be the final price paid by the customer. The actual deal will depend on the brand, model, retailer, available stock and festive promotion.
Conclusion
Consumers looking to buy an AC, TV, washing machine, refrigerator or another home appliance should be prepared for higher prices this festive season. Several manufacturers are either implementing or preparing price increases, with ACs expected to see hikes of around 5-8% across several brands.
Higher copper, aluminium, steel, plastics, freight and other input costs are driving the latest revisions. At the same time, older inventory could allow some retailers to continue selling products at previous prices for a while. With festive discounts also expected, shoppers may see a mix of higher official prices and promotional offers. The final cost will ultimately depend on the product, brand, retailer and timing of the purchase.
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