Daikin, Blue Star and rivals raise AC prices ahead of Diwali
Daikin plans an 8–10% price rise from 16 September, while Blue Star will increase AC and deep-freezer prices by 5–8%. Higher copper, steel, plastic, freight and currency costs are driving broader category hikes through winter.
What happened
Daikin, Blue Star and other AC makers are raising India prices as copper, steel, plastics, transport costs and currency pressures rise. Dealer inventory bought
Key facts
- Daikin: 8-10% increase from 16 September
- Blue Star: 5-8% increase for ACs and deep freezers
- Industry expected increase: 5-8%
- Haier planned cumulative increase through January: about 15%
- Haier increase from 1 October: about 5%
- LG and Bosch Home Comfort/Hitachi increases: about 5%
- Godrej expects category hikes of 5-7%
- Copper prices: up almost 25-35%
Why this matters
Broad category-wide cost pass-through strengthens the case for scale, localized sourcing and supplier partnerships that reduce exposure to metals, plastics, freight and currency volatility.
What to watch
- Copper, steel, resin and freight-cost movements through October-December.
- INR depreciation and changes in import costs for compressors, electronics and refrigerants.
- Whether competitors match announced hikes or increase promotional funding instead.
- Festive-season sell-through, finance approval rates and dealer replenishment orders.
- Channel inventory levels and discount intensity after Diwali.
- Pre-summer weather forecasts and early 2026 AC booking trends.
- Reprice high-demand inverter ACs and deep freezers first while retaining entry-price SKUs as traffic anchors.
- Use no-cost EMI, exchange bonuses, extended warranties and installation bundles to preserve effective affordability without reversing headline price increases.
- Secure copper, compressor and electronics-component supply through forward contracts or vendor negotiations ahead of the 2026 summer build.
- Tighten dealer inventory planning after Diwali to avoid excess older-model stock when demand softens in winter.
- Segment promotions by city and channel, with sharper discounts in price-sensitive markets and firmer pricing for premium models.