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India blocks a cheap refrigerant that could cut AC costs and ease power demand
Economy
Published on 4 May 2026
A greener refrigerant exists but rules are delaying it
India’s heat wave is driving record electricity demand, and AC usage is rising fast. But a cheaper, safer and more energy-efficient refrigerant—propane (R290)—could ease grid pressure and reduce climate impact. Adoption remains slow because outdated regulations still restrict it, leaving a practical solution underused while cooling needs surge.
- R290 can improve AC efficiency and lower operating costs
- Outdated regulations are slowing refrigerant approvals and uptake
- More efficient cooling could reduce peak load on India’s grid
- Switching refrigerants also helps cut climate impact
Read the full story at The Economic Times
This summarization was done by Beige for a story published on 
The Economic Times