UK heatwave triggers price rises for items such as hot tubs and air conditioning units

Prices for hot tubs and air conditioning units have climbed sharply during the UK heatwave, with one inflatable model nearly doubling in cost within a week, according to price data examined by The Guardian.

The Bestway inflatable hot tub Lay-Z-Spa Cancún AirJet was available for £160 on 21 May but now retails for a minimum of £299 ^[1][2]. Air conditioning units have risen by about 17% since April ^[1][2]. Of 11 heatwave-related items examined by The Guardian, six were at their highest price in the last three months, while the remaining five were unchanged ^[1][2]. The Dyson Cool Tower fan was priced at £299 on Amazon, up from a low of £249.99 during the period examined ^[1][2]. The Morphy Richards Flexi Freeze 12K BTU portable air conditioning unit rose to £410, up from £389, in a matter of weeks after 4 May ^[1][2]. The De’Longhi Pinguino Gentle Jet air conditioner cost £689.95 at Tiny Lux, up from a low of £659.99 a few days earlier ^[1][2].

Nick Glynne, chief executive of Buy It Direct Group, said dynamic pricing could leave consumers paying more during periods of high demand ^[1]. He explained that price is sometimes controlled “algorithmically” based on product interest and that there is no fixed price, only caps and collars ^[1]. Glynne said shipping rates for products brought over at peak times can be two to three times higher ^[2]. He added that if the company were to re-buy air conditioners from east Asia, the increase would be around 15-17% compared with a few months ago, driven largely by shipping costs and raw material prices ^[1][2].

Consumer expert Martyn James said businesses often increase prices in advance of demand, such as when the Met Office forecasts a heatwave ^[1][2]. He recommended using price tracker websites and checking the manufacturer’s recommended retail price before purchasing ^[1][2].