Subsidy program for home appliances to expire

BEIJING - A one-year subsidy program for energy-efficient home appliances will expire on Saturday, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) said Wednesday.

The program covers five categories of energy-saving appliances, including air conditioners, flat-panel TVs, refrigerators, washing machines and water heaters, the MOF said in an online statement.

The program was launched on June 1, 2012 to offer subsidies ranging from 100 to 400 yuan ($16.18 to 64.72) for every energy-efficient home appliance sold.

In practice, subsidies from central finances would first go to producers, who would distribute it to consumers after the latter have purchased the products.

The program was designed to drive domestic consumption and cut carbon emissions, the statement said.