India’s Heat Pump Water Heater Market: An Emerging Efficiency Trend India’s water heating market is quietly entering a new phase, marked by the early but accelerating adoption of heat pump water heaters (HPWHs). Long dominated by electric “geysers” and supported by a niche solar segment, the market is beginning to pivot toward heat pump technology as energy efficiency shifts from a secondary consideration to a core purchasing criterion. Although HPWHs currently account for a

Scottish Government Issues Over 1.5 Million Winter Heating Payments SCOTLAND: The Scottish Government has delivered over 1.5 million winter heating payments this winter, including more than one million Pension Age Winter Heating Payments for people aged 66 and over. Replacing the DWP’s Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland, this benefit is paid at a higher rate and administered by Social Security Scotland. Additional support includes the Child Winter Heating Payment, with over 44,0

Voltas Anticipates Double-Digit Growth in Room AC Sales This Summer, Driven by First-Time Buyers INDIA: Voltas expects double-digit revenue growth in its room air conditioner business this summer, driven largely by first-time buyers, who account for about 85% of purchases. AC ownership in India remains low at around 10% of households, compared with much higher penetration in China and Thailand, leaving significant room for growth as heat waves persist. The outlook marks a rec

X Bathware Launches Premium Bathware Brand in Bangladesh BANGLADESH: X Bathware has entered Bangladesh’s premium bathware market with a new brand unveiled at The Westin Dhaka, targeting high-end residential, hospitality and commercial projects. Inspired by Italian design, its products emphasise minimalism, functionality, durability and water efficiency, meeting international quality standards. The company cites rising demand for design-led, premium bathware amid growth in rea

Carrier Shares 2025 Performance and 2026 Forecast USA: Carrier reported weaker fourth-quarter 2025 results, with sales down 6% and organic sales down 9%, reflecting soft residential demand and distributor destocking in the Americas. Full-year 2025 sales reached US$ 21.75 billion, down 3% year on year, though global commercial HVAC and aftermarket businesses achieved double-digit growth. Profitability was supported by productivity gains and a stronger mix in some regions. The

US Inflation Remains Above Target Amid New Price Pressures USA: US inflation remains above target and may be accelerating, reducing the likelihood of near-term Federal Reserve rate cuts. The Fed’s preferred measure, core PCE inflation, is estimated to have reached 3% in December, its fastest pace in over two years and well above the 2% target. Early 2026 data also point to renewed price pressures. Adobe’s Digital Price Index recorded its sharpest January rise in 12 years, wit

EU Launches ETS2 to Curb CO₂ from Buildings, Transport, and Small Industry EUROPE: The EU’s new Emissions Trading System (ETS2), created under the 2023 ETS Directive revision, will target CO₂ emissions from buildings, road transport and small industry not covered by the existing EU ETS. Starting fully in 2027, it will regulate fuel suppliers upstream, requiring them to buy allowances at auction under a cap-and-trade model aimed at cutting emissions 42% by 2030 versus 2005. Re

RMB Secures US$ 0.28 billion (R4.45bn) Funding to Back Reatile Group’s Energy Growth SOUTH AFRICA: Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) has finalised a US$ 0.28 billion (R4.45 billion) funding package to support South Africa-based Reatile Group’s expansion across the energy sector, including gas, petrochemicals, fuel storage and renewables. The financing, announced on 5 February 2026, includes a US$ 0.21 billion (R3.35 billion) holding company facility and a US$ 0.07 billion (R1.1 billio

UK: DRU has increased production and expanded distribution of its balanced flue gas wall heaters following the withdrawal of a key competitor from the UK market, leading to higher demand for replacement units. The company is also inviting applications from new stockists within the UK heating and ventilating industry to support wider availability of its heater models. Demand growth in 2025 was described as significant, as customers sought alternatives after older models were d

Germany Germany: The rate of energy efficient renovations in the residential building stock declined to 0.67% in 2025, marking a new low compared to 0.69% in 2024 and 0.70% in 2023, while around 2% annually is required to meet climate targets. Renovation activity in non residential buildings also fell to 0.92%. In total, about 260000 residential units were renovated in 2025, below the estimated requirement of 460000 units. Industry representatives highlighted a growing renova

Ikea India: IKEA India reported a slight decline in revenue for the fiscal year ending March 2025, with revenue from operations at US$ 193 million, down about 3.3% from the prior year. The company’s total losses widened to US$146 million, reflecting continued investment in expansion and infrastructure. Total income, including other sources, also fell nearly 4% for the year. IKEA India increased its spending on advertising and promotional activities, and its total borrowings r

India: Cera Sanitaryware reported an 11.1% year-on-year increase in Q3 FY26 revenue to US$55 million, while profitability declined due to higher input costs. EBITDA fell 14.0% to US$5.6 million, and margins contracted to 10.2% from 13.2%. Profits after tax dropped 48.4% to US$2.6 million, affected by rising brass prices and exceptional provisions linked to new labour codes. For the first nine months of FY26, revenue rose 5.2% to US$155 million, while profit declined 21.2%. Ma