Appliance makers to hike prices up to 8% from October as festival season nears

Leading appliance makers across India will implement their third round of price increases this year from October 1, as surging costs of raw materials and logistics threaten margins ahead of the festive shopping season. Air conditioner prices are expected to rise by 5-8 per cent, while some manufacturers plan increases of 3-4 per cent for washing machines, refrigerators, and LED televisions, according to industry executives.

The price adjustments reflect sustained inflationary pressures on key inputs including copper, aluminium, and steel, alongside elevated crude oil derivatives. Currency volatility stemming from ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia has further compounded input costs, manufacturers said, making price revisions necessary to maintain operational viability.

Industry executives remain divided on the impact of the hikes during the peak festive period, with some concerned that higher retail prices could dampen consumer demand. Others, however, expect the seasonal uplift in purchasing to offset any demand contraction triggered by the price increases.

The timing of the announcement places manufacturers in a delicate position, as the October-December period traditionally accounts for a significant portion of annual appliance sales in India. Earlier price increases in 2026 had already compressed consumer budgets, raising questions about price elasticity in the mid-to-premium appliance segments.