The Association of Table Waters Producers has warned that the price of pure water may rise to N100 per sachet, citing the high cost of production inputs such as plastic and water treatment chemicals. The association says this may affect consumers and the industry as a whole.
The ATWAP stated at a press conference in Lagos that the industry is facing numerous challenges, including high fuel costs, power shortages, and rising production costs. The group added that the current price of pure water reflects the difficult economic conditions in the country.
An ATWAP representative said:
“Pure water is sold for N50 now, and it is even going up to N100 per one. At our own end, there’s nothing we can do. The cost of production is high.
“As at last year December, we were buying materials (nylon) for N1,100 per KG. The 6 kg of nylon is now N3,600/N3,700. The cost of treatment is also high. The increment for these materials comes at 3 times in one week. It is also difficult for us to increase the price of water.
“If ordinary Nigerians can’t afford pure water, I don’t know where we are going. Every water producer is funding the pure water factory on personal pockets or borrowed money.
“Many banks don’t give pure water producers loans. We want Nigerians to bear with us. We don’t want Nigerians to buy water at more than N20 per sachet. The cost of production including the price of diesel has affected so many things.”