As Delhi Chokes In Toxic Air, Demand For Purifiers Soars

The Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi has been deteriorating, with the national capital recording the air quality in the “poor” category. As Delhi residents are rushing to buy air purifiers and masks, leading

to a 60–70 per cent spike in sales, chokes, reported PTI.

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the national capital recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 354 on Wednesday—the highest of the season so far—rising from 351 on Tuesday and 345 on Monday.

Pollution levels have been steadily worsening since early October, prompting a rush to electronic and pharmacy stores as people try to protect themselves from the smog.

Air Purifier Sale Surges 70%

According to electronic retailers cited by PTI, the sudden spike in demand for air purifiers has left many stores scrambling to restock.

“At least two to three customers visit us daily to purchase purifiers, and we receive around 20-plus phone inquiries every day,” said a salesperson at Croma Odeon, Connaught Place, adding that sales have risen by nearly 60 to 70 per cent in recent weeks.

Vijendra Mohan, who runs Air Expert India in Indirapuram, shared a similar experience. “Earlier, we would sell around 10 units in a week or maybe months. Now, the number has gone up to nearly 35 to 40 in just two to three days,” he said. “The demand has picked up sharply this week, and we are getting more than 150 inquiries every day.”

At Mahajan Electronics in Raja Garden, store staff reported a comparable rise. “Sales have gone up by around 60 per cent, both through walk-ins and online orders. Since mid-October, customers have been reaching out to us regularly, so we’ve increased our stock to meet the demand,” said a representative.

Rise In Mask Sales

With purifiers, pharmacies across Delhi are seeing a steady increase in the sale of masks.

“Over the past two weeks, mask sales have increased by about 40 per cent. Most people are still buying regular masks, but the demand has clearly gone up,” said Rajeev Kumar, a salesperson at Apollo Pharmacy in Connaught Place.