
Leading consumer electronics makers including Blue Star, Godrej, Haier, and Daikin will increase prices of air conditioners, LED TVs, washing machines and other products by 5 to 8 per cent from October…
Leading consumer electronics makers including Blue Star, Godrej, Haier, and Daikin will increase prices of air conditioners, LED TVs, washing machines and other products by 5 to 8 per cent from October 1, news agency PTI reported. This is the industry's third round of price hikes in 2026, driven by sustained inflation in copper, aluminium, steel and crude oil derivatives, and higher freight costs linked to the West Asia crisis.

Copper prices have jumped from USD 8,000-9,000 per metric ton last year to USD 14,500, directly impacting AC manufacturing costs. Some companies such as Daikin have already raised prices 8-10 per cent from mid-September. However, dealers and distributors stocked inventory at older rates through pre-buying schemes in August and September, which may keep retail prices stable through Diwali. Post-Diwali, the new prices will take full effect, executives said.
All four outlets report the same facts from a single PTI wire, producing uniform straight coverage. No source favours or criticises the government, and none challenges the industry's explanation linking price rises to commodity costs and the West Asia crisis. The coverage is noteworthy for what it omits: no outlet examines whether input cost pass-through is justified, or how much of the increase reflects genuine cost pressure versus margin protection. The story will gain substance when monthly inflation data for electronics is published, allowing a check against the claimed 8-10 per cent commodity rise.
The tribunal hears the appeal on 12 September.
Coverage: 4 sources, 4 neutral
Sources (4): ndtvprofit.com (neutral report), livemint.com (neutral report), businesstoday.in (neutral report), rediff.com (neutral report)
This brief was synthesised by AI from the 4 sources linked above, so one read covers every framing they carry.
Updated: this story now draws on 4 sources.