By  Mr. Jayant Balan, Senior Business Leader, Voltas.

“India’s cooling industry is entering a transformative phase with the recent GST rate cut and the upcoming BEE star rating revision effective January 2026. These policy shifts are accelerating demand, as trade partners and consumers move early to secure current pricing and mitigate the average expected increase of 7 to 8% on new inventory, noting that actual changes may differ based on specifications and product categories.

Consumer behaviour is evolving rapidly in this environment. Shoppers are placing greater emphasis on sustainability, efficiency, and compliance. While price sensitive first-time buyers continue to be a significant segment, there is strong traction for premium and 5-star rated inverter ACs among customers who seek performance, reliability, and long-term savings. Interest in smart features and energy efficient technologies is rising, driven by growing awareness of both cost and environmental responsibility.

At Voltas, these market shifts are already visible in our performance. Our festive and winter season sell through has grown in double digits, supported by proactive channel readiness, robust inventory, and a sharp increase in digital engagement. The GST cut has added further momentum, leading to higher walk ins and stronger conversions across markets.

This sustained momentum reflects the trust that consumers and partners place in Voltas. With India’s most comprehensive portfolio of energy efficient products, agile supply chain capabilities, and upcoming innovations such as Adaptive Cooling, we are well positioned to lead this industry transition and capture the emerging demand surge.”