AC SALES
AC prices set to surge further due to new energy norms, rising input costs: Blue Star MD
Air conditioner prices will increase in the coming months. This is due to higher costs for materials like copper and aluminium. New energy efficiency rules also contribute to the price hike. Industry leaders expect these inflationary pressures to continue for 12 to 18 months. Consumers will need to adjust to these evolving price dynamics.
India is blocking a cheap way to beat the heat wave, one tweak in AC can lower costs
India faces a cooling crisis as soaring temperatures drive unprecedented electricity demand. While AC sales surge, a safer, cheaper, and more efficient refrigerant, propane (R290), is being held back by outdated regulations. This overlooked solution could significantly ease grid pressure and reduce climate impact, yet its adoption is inexplicably slow.
White goods market set to reach Rs 5.3 lakh crore by FY30, says report; startups eye niches
India's consumer durables market is projected to reach Rs 5.39 lakh crore by FY30, driven by a 14% CAGR and increasing demand for smart, energy-efficient appliances. This growth is creating opportunities for startups to innovate in niche segments, offering localised and affordable products.
Rising temperatures spark comeback for India's consumer durables sector: Report
India's consumer goods sector is seeing a strong rebound. Rising temperatures are boosting sales, especially in southern regions. While April sales were flat, the coming months look promising. Companies are increasing prices to manage costs. Premium products are selling well, while entry-level items face challenges. Modest growth is expected, supported by good weather and steady demand for high-end appliances.
Heatwave spurs surge in AC, beverage, ice cream output in India
Soaring temperatures have triggered a sharp demand rebound for ACs, beverages, and ice cream, with companies boosting output after a 50% sales surge, despite price hikes and supply chain challenges.
Power, auto ancillary, and mid-size banks: Where Motilal Oswal Private Wealth is putting money now
Motilal Oswal Private Wealth is investing cash into key sectors. Power is a top pick due to rising demand. Auto ancillary firms are set to benefit from trade deals. Mid-size private banks show strong growth metrics. IT valuations are attractive but execution is a concern. Indirect AI plays include data centres and rare earth companies.
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Retailers face AC shortage as heatwave boosts demand
Intense heatwaves have driven a sharp rise in air-conditioner sales. This surge, following lower production in March, has created significant supply shortages. Retailers are receiving only half their orders. Higher energy-efficient models are particularly affected. Companies are now increasing production to meet the unexpected demand. Consumers are buying early, anticipating further price increases.
Buying property costing between Rs 20 lakh and Rs 45 lakh without a PAN? You must use new Form 97, says Income Tax Department
The Income Tax Department has introduced a new Form 97, replacing Form 60, for individuals without a PAN card undertaking specific transactions. This includes buying property above the specified value, opening bank accounts, and making certain cash payments. The revamped forms aim to simplify compliance, with reduced reporting expected for these declarations.
Tactical investing: 6 stocks for your watchlist as the Gulf rebuild approaches; 4 with positive upside potential of up to 25%
Peace is something that has eluded West Asia a long time. For old Gulf watchers, statements and counter-statements of the kind seen in the last 48 hours are nothing new. That is probably the least to expect in times of conflict. And, when negative headlines dominate, it is tough to think rationally, especially when it comes to the stock markets. In such circumstances, it is useful to have the ability to be somewhat contrarian.
India's EV boom outpaces charging infrastructure, tests network limits
The electric vehicle revolution in India is gaining traction, with an impressive uptick in consumer interest, but there's a catch: charging stations are falling short of demand. With estimates predicting millions of EVs in daily use, the current infra is inadequate to support such growth.
Why AC maker Blue Star wants both summer and monsoon seasons to be good this year
Blue Star’s growth outlook hinges on strong summer-led urban demand and a favourable monsoon supporting rural markets, which now drive over 65% of industry sales. Managing director B Thiagarajan highlighted pricing pressures, geopolitical risks, and raw material inflation as key challenges, while noting stable demand and inventory levels. The festival season outlook remains uncertain amid global and domestic headwinds.
Daikin Industries to invest Rs 1,000 crore in India for global R&D centre
Daikin Industries is set to channel a monumental one thousand crore rupees into India to launch its first global R&D hub beyond Japan. This innovative center will specialize in software and product developments tailored for cooling systems.
D2C air conditioner startup Helium raises $2 million from India Quotient
The D2C startup will initially deploy the fresh funds to scale manufacturing, build inventory, and strengthen go-to-market efforts before shifting focus to brand-building, customer acquisition, hiring, and product development. Helium, founded in 2025 by IIT Kanpur alumni Ashish Sharma and Aman Munka, is building compact, cost-effective ACs for homes, with its first product designed to cool up to 100 sq ft using a 2,700-watt system that can run on a 1 kW solar panel.
LG records hot sales as it sells 1 million ACs in CYQ1; Co to expand Sri City plant
LG Electronics India achieved a record start to the summer season selling over one million air conditioners in the January-March quarter of 2026. This surge highlights strong demand for cooling products and energy-efficient appliances. LG plans to expand production at its new Sri City facility to meet rising demand.
Consumption slowdown in Q4 to spoil full year's sales show
Consumer electronics and smartphone sales in India experienced a significant slowdown in the March quarter. This trend impacted the overall growth for the fiscal year. Price increases and geopolitical pressures dampened consumer demand. Daily essentials also saw slower value growth after tax reductions. Appliance sales saw modest growth, while smartphone volumes declined.
UAE slows down from Gulf war stress; raises remittance concerns for India amid layoffs, pay cuts
The United Arab Emirates economy faces early stress as the Gulf war continues. Sectors like hospitality, travel, and food & beverage are seeing job cuts and salary reductions. Businesses are prioritizing survival over revenue targets. This economic slowdown could impact remittances to India. Many companies are adopting measures similar to the Covid-19 pandemic to manage the situation.
Tech prices surge: Phones, appliances set to cost more
Electronics costs are soaring to unprecedented heights, disrupting the long-standing trend of falling prices. Basic gadgets like televisions and smartphones are now pricier, while crucial appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners are expected to follow suit.
Summer sales plans of beverage and AC makers run into rough weather
Unexpected rains and inflation from the West Asia war are impacting summer sales for beverage and appliance companies. Manufacturers face rising costs for packaging materials like PET resin and polyolefins. Some are cutting promotions and absorbing losses. Companies are also paying premiums for glass and cans to avoid shortages. This comes after a poor sales season last year.
CAG flags irregularities in Gujarat finances; points to misuse of funds
The Comptroller and Auditor General of India has identified significant financial management issues within the Gujarat government. Irregularities include incorrect fund utilization and the submission of misleading utilization certificates. Weak monitoring mechanisms were also highlighted. These findings point to a need for greater accountability in public expenditure tracking and financial reporting practices across state departments.
Sharp partners with Amber Enterprises for producing ACs in India
Sharp Business Systems India is partnering with Amber Enterprises India to manufacture air conditioners locally. This collaboration aims to boost Sharp's presence in India's growing cooling market. Production will begin in March 2026 at Amber's facilities. Sharp plans to capture a significant market share over the next five years by expanding its product range and distribution network across India.
AC makers brace for unseasonal rain, rising costs ahead of summer demand
Unusual rains are impacting early summer sales for air-conditioner makers. Price hikes are also a concern due to rising raw material costs from West Asian tensions. Manufacturers expect temperatures to rise in April, potentially boosting demand. However, a second price increase is anticipated in April. Supply of LPG gas is also reduced, affecting production.
Retailers roll out festival discounts amid inventory pressure, Gulf war concerns
As concerns over the Gulf war loom large, Indian retailers are slashing prices on electronics and home appliances to attract cautious consumers and clear their stock. With a noticeable dip in smartphone and TV sales, many anticipate further hikes in product prices. Shoppers are tightening their belts and re-evaluating their purchasing habits.
French major Thomson eyes aggressive India expansion; to tap refrigerator market after AC
Thomson, a French electronics brand, is set to become more aggressive in India's appliance market. Following its success in LED TVs, the company is entering the refrigerator segment. Thomson sees significant growth potential in India due to low appliance penetration. The brand aims to replicate its European success in the Indian market.
5 stocks with consistent score improvement and upside potential of up to 32% in one year, according to analysts
A part of the Indian stock market’s decline is clearly because of the Gulf war; but don't forget that some domestic factors, too, are at play. For instance, the usual tight liquidity around the end of the financial year is adding to the selling pressure. Our selected stocks for today depict a strong upward trajectory in their overall average score which is based on five key pillars: Earnings, fundamentals, relative valuation, risk, and price momentum. This implies that there has been a significant improvement in their market outlook in the given time frame.
Son, daughter-in-law force 75-year-old mother out of her home; she files eviction case and wins in Orissa High Court
A 75-year-old mother in Odisha has successfully evicted her son and daughter-in-law from her self-owned house. The Orissa High Court ruled that a son has no legal right to reside in his mother's property against her wishes, especially when she fears for her safety. The court upheld the mother's ownership, dismissing claims of joint family property.
Super-efficient ACs could cut energy use by 60%, industry leaders discuss
Experts unveiled a vision for super-efficient, humidity-optimized ACs that can cut energy use by 60% and halve peak power demand. This innovation is crucial as 76% of the population faces extreme heat risk and AC demand is projected to surge.
AC makers raise prices by 5–15% ahead of summer as input costs climb
Room air-conditioner prices are rising by 5-15% as manufacturers face higher costs for copper, aluminium, and freight. This price adjustment is happening between February and April, just before the peak summer demand. Companies like Daikin, Voltas, and Blue Star are implementing these hikes. Despite the increase, sales are expected to grow due to forecasts of a hot summer.
Daikin to go for 7-12% price hike as raw material costs increase
Daikin India will raise prices by up to 12 percent starting April 2026. This adjustment is due to increased raw material and supply chain expenses. The company also launched its 2026 product lineup, featuring enhanced energy efficiency and smart climate control. This move comes as the room air-conditioner market anticipates stiff competition and potential price hikes from other manufacturers.
Warm February fuels 30% surge in summer product sales; beverage, ice-cream and AC makers cheer
Summer arrived early this year, boosting sales of drinks, ice-creams, and air conditioners by up to 30 per cent in February. This early heat is expected to drive strong sales throughout the season. Last year saw a significant drop in these products. Companies are now prepared to meet increased demand, with investments in new facilities.
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