Early Winter Lifts Heater Demand, Hits AC and Refrigerator Sales in India

Early Winter Lifts Heater Demand

India: An early and sharper winter significantly altered India’s white goods market, driving consumers toward heating appliances while weakening demand for cooling products just ahead of tighter energy efficiency norms effective from January 1, 2026. Sales in india of heating appliances rose nearly 40% year-on-year in December 2025, while demand for air purifiers increased 30%, with Delhi-NCR contributing nearly three-fourths of purifier sales. Geyser sales grew by 12–15% in the December quarter and room heaters by 15–18%, with local traders reporting a 40–50% surge in late-December demand; markets such as Chandni Chowk expected seasonal revenues of Rs 20–25 lakh (USD 22,000–28,000) from heating products alone. In contrast,air-conditioner and refrigerator sales declined as early winter conditions discouraged pre-buying ahead of revised Bureau of Energy Efficiency norms, leaving nearly 15 days of unsold inventory with northern wholesalers until Christmas. Manufacturers and retailers were forced into last-minute inventory clearance, exploring bulk sales to commercial buyers and quick-commerce platforms. For 2025, air-conditioner makers are expected to report a 10–15% decline in sales due to a mild summer and unseasonal rains, while new BEE norms have reclassified existing star ratings, increasing air-conditioner prices by 5–10% and refrigerator prices by 3–5% from January.

Source: The Financial Express