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The rise in packaged water prices is taking a toll on the pockets of common people. The escalating costs of raw materials and plastic are the primary reasons behind this, and prices are projected to rise even further in the near future.
Bottled Water Gets Costlier (Image Source: Internet)
New Delhi: Across the state, the prices of packaged drinking water—specifically bottled water and the large 20-liter containers (bubble-tops)—have increased. The primary reason cited for this is the rising cost of raw materials. In particular, the prices of plastics and packaging materials derived from petroleum have surged significantly in recent times, having a direct impact on water prices, reports Dynamite News correspondent.
How Much Have Prices Risen?
The price of a 20-liter bubble-top container has gone up by approximately ₹5 to ₹10. These containers are now retailing for anywhere between ₹35 and ₹50. Meanwhile, the price of a 1-liter water bottle has also risen, reaching approximately ₹25. If the costs of raw materials and fuel continue to climb, prices could rise even further in the near future.
Major Surge in Raw Material Costs
There has been a massive hike in the prices of plastics—such as PET and HDPE—used in water packaging. The cost of bottle caps, which previously hovered around 10 paise, has now jumped to between 30 and 40 paise. Similarly, the manufacturing cost of a bubble-top container has risen from ₹110 to ₹175.
Current Status of Production and Demand
Currently, production has witnessed a decline of about 20%; however, this has not yet had a significant impact on the market. This is because the demand for water typically begins to rise only from mid-April onwards. Approximately 30 million liters of packaged water are sold daily across the state, with nearly 15 million liters of this volume being consumed solely within Chennai and its surrounding areas.
Impact on the Common Man
Packaged water has now become an essential commodity, particularly in urban areas. The price hike will inevitably impact the monthly household budgets of ordinary citizens. In many locations—especially at railway stations—water bottles are already being sold at prices exceeding the Maximum Retail Price (MRP), thereby further compounding the difficulties faced by the public. Call for a Solution
Consumer rights activists have urged the government to strictly monitor prices and arrange for free drinking water facilities in public spaces to provide relief to the people.
The hike in the prices of packaged water is not merely a minor fluctuation; rather, it signals the growing impact of inflation. If costs are not brought down soon, this issue could escalate into a major problem for the common people.
