Raw material dearer, AC prices to rise 5-15%

NEW DELHI: As the mercury rises, leading airconditioner makers are increasing prices in the range of 5-15% to offset sustained increases in raw material costs and supply chain expenses. Leading players, including Daikin, Voltas, Blue Star, LG, Haier, and Mitsubishi have announced increases across models, passing on higher input costs for key raw materials such as copper, a weaker rupee, new energy-efficiency norms and an increase in freight costs.