The price of sachet water is expected to rise beginning today, April 1.
According to the National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers (NASPAWAP), the new packaged water pricing is influenced by rising raw material and fuel costs, as well as the cedi’s depreciation.
Barring any hiccups, a water sachet will cost 0.40, while a 500ml bottle of water would cost ¢2. Iced bottled water in 750ml or medium size will be offered for ¢2.50 beginning Friday.
A bag of sachet water, 500ml by 30pcs, will be sold from retail trucks for a maximum of ¢6.
Mini-marts, on the other hand, will sell the product for a maximum of ¢8 per bag. The price of the 1.5L or big bottled water will be ¢3.50.
Magnus Nunoo, President of the Association, noted that most of the inputs and packaging materials, which are mostly imported and derived from petroleum sources, have witnessed price increases.
“At our previous review, the dollar’s exchange rate was in the region of ¢6.50. Currently, it is inching up to ¢8.50. Fuel which forms a major cost of distributing the products to the market centers has significantly gone up since our last review,” he noted.
He did, however, warn that there might be minor pricing differences among regions due to transportation to remote and distant areas.
The president also urged the government to reconsider tax laws affecting the packaged water business in order to help reduce the financial burden and save the industry.
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