As temperature soars, people’s lives have been disrupted by intense heat, leading to a surge in the sale of air conditioners (ACs), fans, and air coolers in the markets. However, there are allegations that prices have also risen along with the demand.
Initially, a countrywide heat alert was issued for three days, but as temperatures remained high, the Meteorological Department extended the alert for an additional three days. As a result, air conditioners have become essential for coping with the extreme heat for many.
Those who are unable to afford air conditioners, are depending on either ceiling fans or stand fans, as well as rechargeable fans. However, both buyers and sellers have reported higher costs for fans and ACs during this period of intense heat.
Buyers thronged showrooms across various brands, including the wholesale electronics stores at Sundarban Square Super Market, Nawabpur Road, and Baitul Mukarram Market in the capital. Majority of them were purchasing stand fans and air coolers.
However, buyers complain that the prices of fans, air coolers and air conditioners are higher than last year. Even the sellers admit it.
Visiting the above-mentioned markets in the capital, it was found that small non-brand ‘Typhoon Fans’ are asking for Tk 850 to Tk 900 which was Tk 450 to Tk 500 last month. A 12 inch fan is between Tk 7000 to Tk 7500. Small stands (9-10 inches) are selling for Tk 750 to Tk 1600. Different brands of stand fans are being sold at Tk 2000 to Tk 8000.
Apart from this, local brand ceiling fans are selling from Tk 1700 to Tk 3500, foreign brand ceiling fans are selling at Tk 4500 to Tk 10000.
When asked about the price, a seller of Sundarban Square Market informed that the price of the fan will increase if the heat increases further.
Mustakim Ali, proprietor of Toma Electronics said that there fans are sold when the heat rises.
The sale of AC-air coolers has increased in different showrooms of Bangabandhu National Stadium Market. However, the buyers felt that the price of AC and air cooler of this brand is higher than last year.
A salesman of a showrooms there told this journalist that even last month where they could not sell one AC or air cooler in a week, they are selling about 10 ACs and maximum 12 air coolers every day for the last one week.
Visiting the showrooms of different brands it was learned that, one ton inverter AC is available between Tk 45,000 and Tk 70,000. 1.5 ton ACs are being sold at Tk 65,000 to Tk 83,000, and two ton ACs at Tk 78,000 to Tk 1,500,000.
Apart from this, 20 liter air coolers of different brands are available from Tk 11,500 to Tk 17,000, 60 liter air coolers available at Tk 20,500 to Tk 33,005.