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In 1998 when Electro Mart Ltd launched its Chinese-manufactured Konka colour television at almost half the prices of international brands, it took many by surprise.
As the mercury’s rise will presumably show no sign of letting up at least until mid-June in Bangladesh, many will be resorting to air conditioning units to beat the sweltering heat.
AC sales triple as temperature soars
The sales of air conditioners have tripled year-on-year in April and May as people rushed to retailers to get rid of the scorching summer.
Local assembly and manufacturing have also made ACs affordable for the bulging middle class as the price came down.
April, May and June are the peak season for the outlets retailing ACs as the temperature rises from March. Nearly 90 per cent of the ACs are sold during the quarter.
In recent weeks, the temperature has hovered around 39 degree Celsius, and it went past 42 on April 24 in Jessore.
The annual demand for ACs rose 20 per cent on average in the last six years. Samsung posted 300 per cent higher sales in April. Walton registered 450 per cent growth in the January to April period compared to the same period last year. Transtec s sales have doubled since April 15.