Patna: As temperatures in the city climb past 40°C, Patna’s electronics market is experiencing a sharp rise in demand for cooling appliances, with sales of air conditioners, coolers and fans increasing by an estimated 25–35% compared with last year.
Retailers say prices have also risen by around 5–8%, while strong demand has left many stores struggling to offer same-day delivery and installation services.
Consumers, increasingly conscious of electricity costs, are opting for energy-efficient appliances. Shopkeepers report a noticeable shift towards low-power consumption products, particularly BLDC fans, which use 25–35 watts compared with older models consuming 70–80 watts. This translates into electricity savings of up to 60%.
A local shopkeeper, said the change in buying patterns reflects growing awareness of energy efficiency and long-term cost savings.
To capitalise on seasonal demand, retailers are offering promotional deals and no-cost EMI options, which industry players say have helped sustain momentum in sales.
Customers are also showing increased interest in inverter-compatible air conditioners. A buyer at a showroom opposite the city planetarium, said such models help reduce disruption during voltage fluctuations and can operate on backup power systems including inverters and solar setups, albeit at reduced efficiency.
Air conditioner prices currently range between Rs 30,000 and Rs 60,000 for 1-ton to 1.5-ton models, with 5-star rated units in highest demand. A 1.5-ton non-inverter AC typically consumes around 2 units of electricity per hour, while inverter models use between 0.8 and 1.2 units.
Rising AC prices have also driven demand for air coolers, particularly among middle-income households. Personal coolers are priced between Rs 5,000 and Rs 9,000, while desert coolers range from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000. Newer models featuring honeycomb cooling pads, larger water tanks and inverter compatibility are seeing stronger uptake.
Sales of refrigerators, water coolers and deep freezers have also risen by 15–20%, with buyers increasingly favouring energy-efficient and inverter-based models. Prices in these categories have increased by 5–10% this year, driven by higher raw material costs, logistics expenses and strong demand.
Industry observers say discount levels have narrowed from 20–30% in previous seasons to around 10–15% this year due to inflationary pressures.
KPS Kesari, former president of the Bihar Industries Association, said the summer season is expected to generate strong business activity, with total turnover in Patna’s cooling appliance market projected between Rs 300 crore and Rs 400 crore.
He added that air conditioners account for roughly 40% of the market, while fans and coolers together contribute around 45%, with refrigerators and other appliances making up the remaining share.
