Japanese consumers rush to buy air conditioners before stricter energy standards take effect next April, driving sales to exceed typical year levels.

Sales campaigns for air conditioners are intensifying as consumers aim to purchase current models before new models adhering to updated energy-conservation standards arrive next April.

New air conditioner models meeting the updated standards are expected to be sold at higher prices, prompting consumers to buy existing inventory before it disappears.

Bic Camera reported air conditioner sales between April and mid-May rose 1.5 times in terms of yen value compared with the same period last year.