Prices of air-conditioners are poised to go up by about 15 per cent this summer over last year due to increase in input costs, changed energy efficiency norms and big impact faced by manufacturers due to exchange rate fluctuation, according to Mr B. Thiagarajan, President, Air-conditioning and Refrigeration, Products Group, Blue Star.
The increase in price has become inevitable as most of the manufacturers import compressors. The rupee versus dollar rate has gone up from Rs 46 to Rs 52. Manufacturers are faced with increase in input costs and also due to enhanced energy efficiency norms brought about by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, he said.
Speaking to newspersons after the launch of Blue Star’s latest home ACs, Mr Thiagarajan said: “last summer was slightly disappointing for AC makers. But the next few summers would be very exciting for all manufacturers as we believe this is just the beginning of a rapid growth phase for home ACs. Most manufacturers, including several multinational companies, have invested anticipating growth.”
Blue Star announced the launch of a new range of ACs expanding its home AC portfolio to 45 this year. The company has launched what it describes as a category changer, multi-inverter split ACs, suitable for apartments and villas.
“We see our market share going up from 7.5 per cent in 2011 to about 9 per cent this year,” he explained.
Global market for home ACs last year was 85 million with China accounting for 40 million, US (11 million), Japan (6 million) and India (3.1 million). Reports suggest there is perceptible change in people’s mindset with regard to energy consumption.
