The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers (NASPAWAP) has recommended to all its members to review upward the prices of their products.

In a press release signed by the National President, Magnus Nunoo, the Association stated that among other things, sachet water will be sold at 40pesewas, while 500ml bottled water, previously sold at GHC1.00 will now be sold at GHC1.50.

The new prices will take effect from Monday, December 27, 2021.

“It is recommended that the 500ml bottled water be retailed at GHC1.50, and the 750ml or medium size bottled water be retailed at GHC2.00. The 1.5L or large bottled water is to be retailed at GHS3.50,” parts of the statement read.

The Association added that “iced sachet water will be retailed at 40peswas. A bag of sachet water, 500ml by 30pcs, will now sell at GHC4.50 from the retail trucks. Mini shops will now retail a bag of sachet at GHC6 per bag minimum.”

The price review, they explained, has been necessitated by the rising cost of inputs including fuel, vehicle spare parts and packaging materials, which are mainly imported.

The Association urged all members to review accordingly, their prices to ensure uniformity across the country, adding that in the past, producers bore part or all of these taxes just to survive. However, it is becoming increasingly unsustainable for the local water industry.

“Regrettably, fuel price reviews attract a lot of public outcry anytime the government imposes the slightest tax on it. However, the public turns a blind eye to taxes on bottled water, which account for the high prices consumers have to bear,” the Association added.