NEW DELHI, Sept 28: The Congress on Monday questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi over inflation, citing the expected rise in prices of air-conditioners, televisions, washing machines and other household appliances ahead of the festive season.
Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh shared a media report on X about manufacturers planning another round of price increases from October 1. According to industry reports, several consumer electronics and appliance makers are preparing to raise prices by around 5 to 8 per cent, citing higher costs of copper, aluminium, steel, crude derivatives and freight, along with currency volatility.
Ramesh alleged that consumers were facing increasing financial pressure as the festive season approached. He said the impact of rising prices was extending beyond essential kitchen items to other household purchases.
“The spree of fleecing the public during the festival season continues unabated,” Ramesh said in his post in Hindi.
He claimed that vegetable prices had also increased and referred to a reported 48.27 per cent rise in onion prices in August. Ramesh further alleged that declining household savings and increasing family debt were adding to the financial burden on ordinary households.
The Congress leader questioned how families would manage their budgets amid rising expenses and asked when the government would address inflation.
“In his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio series, the prime minister keeps sermonising on various issues, but when will he address the country’s most pressing concern – inflation? When will he care about the public’s worries?” Ramesh said.
The latest criticism came after reports that appliance manufacturers were preparing to increase prices from October 1, marking the third round of price hikes in the sector this year. Air-conditioners are expected to become around 5 to 8 per cent costlier, while some manufacturers are planning increases of about 3 to 4 per cent for washing machines, refrigerators and LED televisions.
Industry executives have attributed the proposed revisions to sustained increases in manufacturing and logistics costs. Copper, steel and aluminium prices, crude-derived inputs and freight expenses have all contributed to pressure on manufacturers’ margins, while currency fluctuations have added to costs.
Several companies have already announced or indicated price revisions across product categories. However, the extent and timing of the increases vary between manufacturers. Some firms are also evaluating market conditions before finalising their pricing decisions.
The timing of the proposed increases has drawn attention because the festive shopping season is an important period for consumer electronics and appliance sales. Industry representatives have said existing inventories purchased before the latest price revisions could allow some products to remain available at older prices for a limited period.
Ramesh, however, focused his criticism on the broader cost-of-living pressures facing households. He said the latest price increases could make it more difficult for middle-class and lower-income families to manage their regular expenses.
The Congress has repeatedly raised the issue of inflation and household purchasing power in its criticism of the Centre. The party has sought measures to reduce the burden of higher prices on consumers.
The government, meanwhile, has rejected the opposition’s criticism of the economy and pointed to India’s economic growth and other macroeconomic indicators while defending its economic performance.
The latest exchange comes as consumers prepare for the peak festive shopping period. With appliance manufacturers expected to revise prices from October, the impact on demand and household spending is likely to remain a key issue for the sector during the coming months.
For consumers, the immediate impact will depend on individual brands, product categories and the inventory available with retailers. While some companies have indicated increases from October, others may implement revised prices later or continue assessing market conditions.