AC, TV and Fridge Prices Up From October 2026: Buy Now?
ACs cost 5–8% more and TVs, fridges and washing machines 3–4% more from October 2026. Why prices rose, which brands, and how to pay less this Diwali season.
By Balaji Anbazhagan
· 4 min read
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If you were planning to buy an air conditioner, TV or fridge this Diwali, it now costs more. From 1 October 2026, several brands raised prices: ACs by about 5–8% and TVs, refrigerators and washing machines by about 3–4%. It is the third round of price hikes this year. Here is what went up, why, and how to keep the bill down.
The short answer
- Air conditioners: up about 5–8%.
- LED TVs, refrigerators, washing machines: up about 3–4%.
- Brands: Blue Star, Godrej Appliances, Haier, Daikin and Super Plastronics confirmed hikes of 4–10% across categories. LG and Hitachi (Bosch Home Comfort) raised AC prices by about 5%.
- Why: costlier copper, aluminium, steel and plastics, higher freight, and a weak rupee.
- What you can do: compare festive offers carefully, check the real cost of “no-cost EMI”, and do not buy early just out of fear of another hike.
What a 5–8% hike means in rupees
| Product | Typical price before | Hike | Extra you pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5-ton split AC | ₹40,000 | 5–8% | ₹2,000 to ₹3,200 |
| 55-inch LED TV | ₹50,000 | 3–4% | ₹1,500 to ₹2,000 |
| Double-door fridge | ₹35,000 | 3–4% | ₹1,050 to ₹1,400 |
| Front-load washing machine | ₹30,000 | 3–4% | ₹900 to ₹1,200 |
These are illustrative prices. Actual increases vary by brand and model.
Why prices went up again
Most of the cost of an AC or fridge is metal and electronics. Copper and aluminium prices are high, crude oil near $100 a barrel has pushed up plastics and freight, and the rupee near 96 to the dollar makes imported compressors, panels and chips dearer. Makers absorbed part of the cost earlier in the year and are now passing more of it on.
Timing matters too. October to Diwali brings 30–40% of a year’s appliance sales, so brands set prices for the season now.
Cars cost more too
Carmakers raised prices before the festive season as well. Tata Motors raised passenger vehicle prices by up to ₹25,000 from 1 September and commercial vehicle prices by up to 1% from 1 October. Hyundai raised prices from September, and Maruti Suzuki raised them earlier in the year. If you are buying a car on a loan, also keep an eye on the RBI’s policy decision on 7 October, as a rate hike would raise car loan EMIs.
How to pay less this festive season
| Tip | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Compare the final price, not the discount | A “20% off” on an inflated MRP may be worse than a flat price elsewhere. |
| Check what “no-cost EMI” really costs | The interest is often taken back as a forgone discount, and some lenders add a processing fee plus GST on the interest. |
| Use bank card offers | Instant discounts of 10% on select cards often beat cashback that comes later. |
| Look at energy ratings | A 5-star AC costs more upfront but can save several thousand rupees a year on electricity. |
| Do not panic-buy | Prices rose because costs rose. Buy when you need the product and the deal is right. |
If you are taking an EMI rather than a “no-cost” offer, the EMI calculator shows the interest you will pay in total. To see how much these yearly price rises add up over time, try the inflation calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Have AC prices increased in October 2026? Yes. Most brands raised AC prices by about 5–8% from 1 October 2026, citing higher metal, freight and currency costs.
Which brands have raised prices? Blue Star, Godrej Appliances, Haier, Daikin and Super Plastronics have confirmed increases of 4–10% across categories. LG and Hitachi raised AC prices by about 5%. Panasonic was still evaluating.
Is GST on ACs and TVs 28%? No. Since the GST rate changes of September 2025, air conditioners and TVs above 32 inches attract 18% GST, the same as refrigerators and washing machines. Check the tax on any bill with the GST calculator.
Will prices rise again after Diwali? Nobody can say for sure. It depends on metal prices, crude oil and the rupee. Brands have already raised prices three times this year.
Is no-cost EMI really free? Not always. The interest is usually covered by giving up a discount you would otherwise get, and you may pay a processing fee and GST on the interest part. Compare the EMI total with the best one-time payment price.
Sources
- Goodreturns, “AC Price Hike 2026: Planning To Buy An AC, TV, Fridge This Diwali? Prices To Rise From October 1”: goodreturns.in
- The Statesman, “ACs, TVs, Fridges to get costlier from October ahead of festive season”: thestatesman.com
- Upstox, “12 financial changes in October 2026”: upstox.com
- The Hawk, “Tata Motors to hike commercial vehicle prices by up to 1 pc from October 1”: thehawk.in
- Smartprix, “Maruti Suzuki And Hyundai Announce Price Hikes Ahead Of The Festive Season”: smartprix.com
This article is for general information and education, not financial, tax or investment advice. Rules and rates change; check official sources or consult a qualified professional before acting. See our disclaimer.