3-4 pc price hike after Diwali: Samsung

New Delhi, Oct 3: With input costs growing more than 10 per cent globally over the last few months, consumer durables major Samsung India on Friday, Oct 3 said it expects another hike of about three to four per cent in prices post-Diwali across all categories.

''We had increased prices over the last two months to the tune of about 5-6 per cent. But the rising costs are affecting our bottomlines. We are reviewing the situation and if the current situation continues, we will take a call soon,'' company Deputy Manager R Zutshi told reporters. The company, which is introducing new products in the market this month, is confident of healthy sales in the coming quarter on account of festive season.

However, it will offer no discounts or freebies with the products. ''About 30 per cent of our sales comes in the festive season.

Despite the price hikes, the growth in the consumer durables segment has been healthy and we expect the same to continue,'' he said.

According to ORG-GFK data, colour television registered a growth of 18 per cent during January-June 2008 compared to 21 per cent during the same period last year.

LCD televisions saw the growth tapering down to 150 per cent in the first six months of 2008 from 300 per cent last year.

Air-conditioners grew 18 per cent compared to 51 per cent in 2007, while refrigerators grew seven per cent as against 15 per cent last year.

UNI