GH¢15 per bag of sachet water is a price cap, not a standard rate – Producers clarify
Sachet water producers have explained that the newly announced GH¢15 price for a bag of sachet water is only a maximum retail cap, not a fixed price to be applied uniformly across the market.
Kwame Agyapong-Ntra noted that the ceiling was introduced as a guideline to help manage increasing production costs driven by global economic challenges.
He stated that rising crude oil prices, largely influenced by ongoing tensions in the Middle East, have significantly pushed up the cost of polymers used in sachet water production.
He added that suppliers have declared force majeure, a situation that has further driven up input costs and compelled producers to adjust their pricing structures.
“The conflict in the Middle East has affected fuel prices, and since our packaging material is petroleum-based, any increase in oil prices directly impacts production costs. This is why the price adjustment was necessary, with GH¢15 set as the upper limit.
“It is misleading to say sachet water will sell at 15 cedis everywhere. Prices are not expected to go beyond that ceiling, even with current cost pressures.
“We cannot determine when the conflict will end, and even if it does, prices will take time to stabilise. The declaration of force majeure by suppliers has increased costs, and we’ve had to respond accordingly,” he explained.
Mr. Agyapong-Ntra emphasized that retailers are not required to sell at GH¢15 unless market conditions demand it, adding that prices may differ depending on operational expenses and supply dynamics.
