UK heatwave triggers price rises for items such as hot tubs and air conditioning units
The recent UK heatwave has led to significant price increases for seasonal items, particularly hot tubs and air conditioning units. One inflatable hot tub saw its price nearly double within a week, while air conditioning units have risen by approximately 17% since April. Experts warn that dynamic pricing strategies may result in consumers paying more during periods of high demand.
- ▪The price of the Bestway inflatable hot tub Lay-Z-Spa Cancún AirJet increased from £160 to £299 in just one week.
- ▪Six out of eleven heatwave-related items examined by the Guardian reached their highest prices in the last three months.
- ▪Air conditioning units have seen a price increase of around 15-17% due to rising shipping costs and raw material prices.
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The price of one hot tub nearly doubled in a week. Photograph: Bill Oxford/Getty Images/iStockphotoView image in fullscreenThe price of one hot tub nearly doubled in a week. Photograph: Bill Oxford/Getty Images/iStockphotoExtreme heatUK heatwave triggers price rises for items such as hot tubs and air conditioning units Of 11 seasonal items in Guardian price comparison, six hit highest price in last three months, with some nearly doubling in price in last weekSarah Marsh Consumer affairs correspondent Wed 27 May 2026 09.50 EDTLast modified on Wed 27 May 2026 09.56 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThe heatwave has triggered a surge in prices for seasonal items, with the cost of one inflatable hot tub nearly doubling in a week, while an industry expert said air conditioning units have…
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