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DOHA: Although the Ministry of Economy and Commerce has granted a fresh grace period to phase out the conventional air-conditioners, many retailers are selling them only on a special request from customers, giving a boost to the popularity of the new energy-saving ACs.
Inquiries in the market yesterday revealed that many leading retailers have already taken the conventional ACs off their shelves, following a ban imposed on their import and sale on July 1 this year. The Ministry later granted a fresh grace period until January 1 next year, in response to a request from traders to give more time to dispose of their existing stocks of conventional ACs.
All conventional ACs in the market have been replaced by energy-saving ones, as part of a national strategy to reduce consumption of electricity in the country.
The ministry had said that the new deadline is final and import, sale and display of conventional ACs will be banned from January 1.
“We have not ordered for fresh stocks of conventional ACs although we have permission to sell them until January 1. We have enough stocks of the new, energy saving ACs,” a senior official of a leading hypermarket told this daily yesterday.
He said that prices of the ‘green’ ACs, commonly called ‘Star ACs’ are 10 to 20% more compared to the conventional ones.
“For a 1.5 tonne unit, there is a price difference of QR400 to QR500,” he said.
Another leading retailer also said that they have stopped selling the old ones since the July 1 ban was imposed.
“ We don’t have such units now.All stocks were taken back by the dealers. We have not ordered new stocks,” he said.
The ministry had said that new deadline has been given in view of the time required for new units to reach suppliers — up to three months — from the date of making necessary bank credits.
Green AC prices may drop after stocks arrive
Many dealers have agreements with customers based on the old pricing system. So banning regular ACs would lead to losses for both. The dealer of a popular AC brand said traders are finding it difficult to convince customers about the sudden price hike as many are not aware of the government decision to phase out conventional ACs. “They compare the new and old prices and we have to explain the difference between new and old units.”
He said prices are expected to drop when more stocks of green ACs enter the market. “Now limited stocks are available. By the time the ban is implemented, we will be able to bring new units in bulk and this could lead to a fall in the prices.”
