B Thiagarajan, MD of the Mumbai-based air-conditioner and cooling equipment maker Blue Star , expects room air conditioner demand to improve as India moves toward new energy label rules.

“There is an energy label change… effective from January 1, 2026. Therefore, build up to that there should be some sales happening coinciding with the Christmas, New Year season,” he said.

November saw around 10% growth, and demand may pick up again around December 31 when dealers will prepare for the new norms, he added.

Blue Star recorded around 35% growth during the festive period up to Diwali, driven partly by pent-up demand following the goods and services tax (GST) rate change in September.

A second window for sales could emerge in February as summer-related buying returns. However, Thiagarajan

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