The Association of Table Waters Producers (ATWAP) has said that the price of pure water could rise to N100 per sachet due to escalating production material costs.
During a press conference in Lagos, ATWAP President Clementina Ativie highlighted challenges including high diesel prices, power shortages, and production expenses.
Ativie emphasized that the existing water price mirrors Nigeria’s economic challenges, indicating limited recourse for adjustment.
He 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.”