AC price hikes reshape summer appliance mkt

India’s room air conditioner (AC) market is entering the summer of 2026 with strong demand expectations but rising cost pressures.

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Major manufacturers including Daikin, Voltas, LG Electronics, Blue Star and Haier have announced price increases ranging from 5% to 15%, reflecting structural changes in input costs, currency movements and regulatory requirements. The timing of these price hikes is significant. India’s AC industry typically records its strongest sales between March and June as temperatures rise sharply across much of the country. With forecasts indicating a potentially hot summer, manufacturers are adjusting prices ahead of peak demand in an attempt to protect margins that have been under pressure for several quarters.