Soaring temperatures across Bangladesh have sparked a surge in air conditioner (AC) demand, with sales doubling in recent days. People are seeking relief from the sweltering heat, prompting them to visit showrooms in droves.
Importers, manufacturers, and retailers in Dhaka report a significant rise in AC sales, with inverter models (one and 1.5 tonne capacity) being particularly popular. These models are favored for their energy-saving technology.
Aminul Islam, a shopper looking for an AC for his young child, exemplifies this trend. He emphasizes the need for an AC to ensure his child’s comfort during the heatwave.
Walton Air Conditioner, a major player in the market, confirms a sharp increase in nationwide sales. Their deputy chief business officer, Sondip Biswas, attributes this to the high quality, advanced features, and energy efficiency of their inverter ACs. He further claims Walton offers the most features and technology among all AC brands in Bangladesh.
While major companies like Walton and Electro Mart (distributor for Gree ACs) deny recent price hikes, there are reports of branch employees charging higher prices due to the surge in demand. According to some companies, AC prices had already increased significantly earlier this year due to the dollar crisis.
Nurul Afsar, Electro Mart’s deputy managing director, acknowledges a significant rise in sales, particularly in Dhaka and Chattogram, where sales have more than doubled compared to usual.
The Bangladeshi AC market typically sees annual sales between 550,000 and 600,000 units. While ACs ranging from one to two tonnes remain popular for home use, there’s a growing shift towards inverter ACs due to their energy-saving benefits.
With the heatwave persisting, AC demand is likely to remain high. Consumers are encouraged to shop around and compare prices before making a purchase to avoid potential price gouging by some retailers.