Consumers planning to buy air conditioners, LED TVs, washing machines or refrigerators during the festive season may face higher prices from 1 October 2026. Electronics companies are preparing increases of up to 8%, adding pressure to household budgets.
The planned revision has been linked to rising international prices for copper, steel, aluminium and crude oil-related inputs, as well as currency fluctuations. The increase will be the consumer electronics industry's third price revision of 2026.
Product-wise price changes
Air conditioners are expected to see the sharpest immediate increase. Haier India plans to raise AC prices by 5% from 1 October. The company has also estimated a cumulative increase of 15% in phases between October and January.
Prices of televisions and washing machines are expected to rise by 3% to 4%. The material does not specify a separate increase for refrigerators beyond the broader increase planned for the product category.
Haier India President NS Satish said copper prices had risen from 8,000-9,000 dollars to 14,500 dollars per metric tonne over the past year. An AC uses 3 to 4 kilograms of copper, making the metal's price an important input-cost factor for the category.
Why festive-season impact may be limited
Companies expect the immediate effect on festive sales to remain limited because many dealers and distributors bought older inventory through pre-buying schemes in August and September.
The supply pipeline contains one to 1.5 months of older stock. This may allow customers to purchase some electronics at existing prices until Diwali. The new prices are expected to be fully implemented after the festival.
What buyers need to know
The exact retail price of each model is not yet available. The final increase may differ by product and company, while older inventory could remain available before the revised prices are applied across the market.
Conclusion
Electronics buyers may see higher prices from 1 October, particularly for ACs, but older stock could delay the full impact until after Diwali. The planned changes are being attributed to higher input costs and currency movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which electronics products are expected to become more expensive?
ACs, LED TVs, washing machines and refrigerators are among the products covered by the planned increases.
Q. When are the new prices expected to begin?
Companies are preparing to introduce the revised prices from 1 October 2026.
Q. How much could AC prices increase?
Haier India plans a 5% increase from 1 October and has estimated a total increase of 15% in phases between October and January.
Q. Why are appliance prices rising?
Companies have cited higher prices for copper, steel, aluminium and crude oil-related inputs, along with currency fluctuations.
Q. Can customers still buy at existing prices?
Older inventory may remain available until Diwali, with the new prices expected to apply fully after the festival.
Q. How much will each model cost after the increase?
The exact retail prices for individual models are not yet available.
