Association of Table Water Producers Warn of Potential Price Increase for Pure Water

 Association of Table Water Producers (ATWAP) Warns of Potential Price Increase for Pure Water

The Association of Table Water Producers (ATWAP) has indicated that the price of pure water may rise to N100 per sachet due to challenges faced by producers, including the high cost of production materials. Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, the group cited factors such as the high cost of diesel, lack of power supply, and the overall high cost of production.

A representative of the group expressed concerns, stating, "Pure water is currently sold for N50, and it may soon reach N100 per sachet. We are facing significant challenges, and there's little we can do to mitigate them. The cost of production has risen sharply."

The representative highlighted the escalating cost of production materials, noting that the price of nylon has increased from N1,100 per kilogram to N3,600/N3,700 for a 6-kilogram bundle. Additionally, the cost of water treatment has also risen significantly, with material prices increasing multiple times within a week.

The group emphasized the difficulty in raising the price of pure water, as it could further burden ordinary Nigerians. They also highlighted the personal or borrowed funds used by producers to sustain their operations, as many banks are reluctant to provide loans to pure water producers.

ATWAP urged Nigerians to understand the challenges faced by water producers and appealed for support. They emphasized their commitment to keeping the price of pure water affordable, ideally below N20 per sachet, despite the rising production costs and challenges faced by producers.