Demand for air conditioners rises when the weather gets hot. But consumers in Japan may face difficulties getting new equipment this year due to a supply shortage.
Some manufacturers say their production and shipment volumes have been affected by the global chip shortage and the coronavirus lockdowns in Shanghai.
A home electric appliance store in Tokyo says many models cannot be procured from wholesalers.
The store is trying to order from suppliers earlier than usual and keep 100 units in stock. That's five times more than a usual year.
But staff at the store do not know when the products will be delivered. They even see the possibility of running out of air conditioners once the summer starts.
Manufacturers are advising people to test their air conditioners now to beat a possible rush to replace or repair units when temperatures start to soar.
◆ procure（努力して）入手する、調達する to obtain something, especially something that is difficult to get
Some manufacturers say their production and shipment volumes have been affected by the global chip shortage and the coronavirus lockdowns in Shanghai.
A home electric appliance store in Tokyo says many models cannot be procured from wholesalers.
The store is trying to order from suppliers earlier than usual and keep 100 units in stock. That's five times more than a usual year.
But staff at the store do not know when the products will be delivered. They even see the possibility of running out of air conditioners once the summer starts.
Manufacturers are advising people to test their air conditioners now to beat a possible rush to replace or repair units when temperatures start to soar.
◆ procure（努力して）入手する、調達する to obtain something, especially something that is difficult to get
◆ soar 急上昇 to increase quickly to a high level OPP plummet