Nagpur cooler sales plummet 90% due to curfew

Nagpur’s cooler business is facing serious challenges due to a curfew that has hit during its peak sales season. The cooler market usually thrives between March and April, but recent events have caused significant disruptions. Rakesh Awachat, director of Ram Coolers, explained how the business has struggled since 2020. The pandemic and subsequent lockdowns affected sales, followed by a second wave of Covid in 2021. While 2022 was better, unseasonal rains in 2023 kept temperatures cooler, reducing demand. Last year, rains after Holi pushed many buyers to delay their purchases. Awachat noted that 2025 started with hopes for recovery. However, riots in central Nagpur have forced a curfew, impacting busy marketplaces. As a result, cooler sales have dropped by 90% for many retailers. Key areas like Central Avenue and Gandhi Bagh, which are vital for the cooler trade, have been particularly affected. This also impacts related businesses like cloth suppliers and tailors, as these markets are crucial for weddings and other events in India. Overall, the curfew has harmed business sentiments across the region.