Nawada, Bihar ,This season, the scorching heat in the district has taken a severe toll, with maximum temperatures soaring past 47 degrees Celsius. Even though Thursday saw a slight dip to 43.9 degrees, with a minimum of 37.9 degrees, residents remain distressed. This intense heatwave has significantly impacted the business of electronic products, particularly air conditioners (ACs) and coolers.
Throughout May, the demand for ACs and coolers has surged, depleting stock rapidly. Shopkeepers across the city are struggling to meet the demand, with many receiving “out of stock” responses from manufacturers. The city, home to approximately 50 electronics shops, has seen a boom in sales of ACs, coolers, fans, and fridges, despite limited new stock following a poor sales season last year due to frequent rains and lower temperatures.
This year, however, the relentless heat has shattered previous sales records. According to Abhishek Kumar, Manager at Aditya Vision Nawada, the business has already generated crores of rupees. The high demand has also driven prices up by 5-10%, with ACs ranging from Rs 26,000 to Rs 55,000 and one-and-a-half-tonne units, priced at Rs 30,000 to Rs 35,000, being the most popular. The availability of EMI options has further boosted sales, allowing middle-class families to opt for ACs over coolers.
Rajat Sharma, a cooler wholesaler, notes that about 300 to 400 coolers are being sold daily, priced between Rs 5,000 to Rs 15,000 each. Despite the high prices, customers are willing to pay, leading to stock shortages and potential further price hikes. Sharma highlights that cooler prices have already increased by Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 due to the supply crunch.
With temperatures remaining high and stock dwindling, the market conditions indicate that sales will continue to soar, potentially setting new records for the electronics industry in the region. The fierce summer has firmly positioned ACs and coolers as essential purchases for residents seeking relief from the relentless heat.
