Satchet Water To Likely Sell at N100, Producers Say

Emmanuel EjioforFebruary 29, 20241 Mins read373

Photo Source: uzor onyes @ Pinterest

The Association of Table Water Producers of Nigeria has announced a potential price increase for sachet water, commonly known as “pure water,” to N100 each amid rising production costs.

This significant price increase was disclosed on Wednesday, Feb. 28, during a press conference in Lagos. The association detailed the challenges of increased diesel prices, power shortages, and the soaring costs of packaging materials.

The president of the association, Clementina Ativie, emphasised the dire situation, stating that “the cost of production is high,” forcing them to reconsider the retail price of sachet water.

“As of last December, we were buying materials (nylon) for N1,100 per kg,” Ativie said. “The 6kg of nylon is now N3,600/N3,700. The cost of treatment is also high. The increase in the prices of these materials occurs three times in one week. It is also difficult for us to increase the cost of water.

“If ordinary Nigerians can’t afford pure water, I don’t know where we are going. Every water producer funds the pure water factory from personal pockets or borrowed money.”

Going further, the Chairman of the Lagos State Association for Table Water Producers, Imolabake Mostri, warned about the serious implications that await if their group, which has 30,000 members, lay off employees due to the current cost of production.

She said, “If we eventually fold up, you can do the maths, 30 to 20 workers by 30,000 producers all over Nigeria, I do not think the government would be able to cope with the crisis we would have in our hands.

“These are youths that are not employed, hence they can engage in crime.”