Television makers are considering an increase in prices of 32-inch and above screen sizes next month to offset the adverse impact of depreciating rupee against the US dollar. While Haier plans to increase prices by up to 5 per cent, Sony and Panasonic are closely monitoring the situation.

Meanwhile, the manufacturers are reducing the prices of TV set sizes of up to 68 cm (27-inch) by up to 8 per cent to extend the GST benefit to consumers. Consumer electronic major Haier plans to increase the prices of its TV sets from the third week of August to offset the higher panel costs.

“We would have to increase prices between 4 and 5 per cent probably from the third week of August,” said Haier India president Eric Braganza.

“With hardening of the US dollar, international prices (of TV Panel) is going up and so we are forced to increase price,” he added.

According to him, the international prices of 30-to-40-inch screens have gone up. Panasonic is also expecting to hike prices of TV sets very soon.

“On televisions of 32-inches and above, we expect a price hike due to increase in TV panel prices and the impact of exchange rate; having said that we are closely observing the market to evaluate the pricing,” said President and CEO, Panasonic India and South Asia Manish Sharma. He further added that the company is absorbing maximum costs so that the consumers are not impacted much.

Sony is also closely watching the situation. “The depreciating rupee is a matter of concern. We are closely watching the situation at the moment and will take a decision at the appropriate time,” said Sony India Head of Sales Satish Padmanabhan.

On being asked that whether the price hike would affect the business, Braganza said: “The main bulk of the market is 32-inch to 40-inch screen size. It is going to affect the business for sure.”

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