Saturday, May 04, 2024
As scorching heatwave grips Bangladesh, deepened by the effects of global warming, consumers are facing soaring prices of essential cooling appliances, leaving them with the dilemma of need versus affordability amidst the relentless heat.
The Meteorological Department’s issuance of a heatwave warning for the next three days has intensified demand for fans, rechargeable fans, air conditioners, and air coolers. Consumers are however frustrated as import cost increases and complications in opening LCs pushed up prices.
All major cooling appliance markets across the capital are witnessing a rush as consumers seek ways to escape the unbearable heat. The price has also increased with the demand. The rechargeable fan prices have increased significantly.
Many are buying rechargeable fans, lamps and IPS hoping for a little relief during blackouts.
On Friday mid-afternoon, several markets in the capital, including the ones in Mirpur, were crowded with potential buyers. A spot visit shows that the price of all types of fans have gone up in Mirpur's Shah Ali, Mirpur Shopping Center, and Mukto Bangla Market.
The use of rechargeable fans has increased, as this appliance operates for some time even without electricity. Such fans charge their battery automatically when connected to power, later providing backup during blackouts.
Various brands of rechargeable fans – such as Vision, Walton, Click, Sunca, and Singer – are available in the market. Apart from this, there are also small and tabletop rechargeable fans.
Many local companies are also manufacturing rechargeable fans, which in turn is lessening the country’s dependency on imported products. There is however less competition in the market as there are fewer importers.
Sajid Hossain, who sells rechargeable fans from a shop located in front of Mirpur's Shah Ali Market, said, “The sales have gone up significantly due to the increased demand for fans. I have sold over 50 fans in a couple of weeks. There are only 7-8 fans left at my shop.
“People are gathering here because our prices are a little less compared to the other shops.”
When asked about the price, he said, “The price of a 12-inch rechargeable fan is Tk 4,000, while a 14-inch fan sells for Tk 5,000 to Tk 5,500. The price of a bigger rechargeable fan is Tk 8,000 – Tk 9,000.”
Many buyers are selling fans for Tk 9,500, which was priced at Tk 7,000 – Tk 8,000 only a couple of weeks ago. A fan previously costing Tk 3,000 is now selling for Tk 4,000 – Tk 5,000, while fans previously worth Tk 4,000 – Tk 5,000 is now being sold for Tk 7,000 - Tk 8,000.
Ismail Hossain, who lives in Madhya Paikpara, who came to Mirpur to buy a ceiling fan, said, “The ceiling fan currently installed in my home is broken. The fan previously priced at Tk 4,000 is now selling for Tk 5,500.
“I intend to purchase a fan that can run for some time without electricity. Therefore, I was considering buying a rechargeable fan. However, upon learning the price, I realised that it is beyond my budget.”
Mustafa Kamal, who hails from Mirpur Mazar Road, expressed his frustration saying, “Usually, when demand rises, prices tend to decrease. However, it seems the opposite is true for items in high demand in our country. The traders have significantly hiked up the prices of fans.”
“There is no way not to buy. The situation of the sellers is like this, they take it, or they don't take it.”
Traders too have acknowledged the rise in prices.
When asked about the sudden price hike, Manik – a shopkeeper in Mirpur – said, “The demand for fans has increased. The price has also increased with the demand. Along with rechargeable fans, the prices of all types of fans have gone up.
“There is also a shortage of fans due to excessive demand.”
When asked how the price of a rechargeable fan has increased, the shopkeeper said, “The price of almost every size of fan has increased by Tk 1,000 to Tk 2,000. The demand for rechargeable fans has increased due to power shortages and severe load shedding.”
“If we buy at elevated prices, then how can we sell for less? The companies have increased the prices. We have nothing to do with the sudden hikes.”
Those who can afford it are buying air-conditioning (AC) units. However, due to increased demand, traders have increased the prices of these products by 26 per cent. An AC unit previously priced at Tk 50,000 is now selling for Tk 55,000.
The prices of air conditioners and air coolers have increased along with fans. In Mirpur-14 Kachukhet market, people were seen buying air conditioners in droves. Those unable to afford AC units are leaning towards air coolers.
Mizanur Rahman, a salaryman in Dhaka, said, “Children are unable to study due to the heatwave. So I thought I would buy an air conditioner. But the prices are too high for me, so I will buy an air cooler.
“Sellers are asking Tk 6,500 for an air cooler unit, which is a bit high.”
A number of shopkeepers say AC and fan prices will increase further as this is the month of Boishakh.
