Tamale residents angry over sachet water price increase

An upward adjustment in the prices of sachet water is creating confusion between sellers and consumers in the Tamale Township. Accordingly, bottle water prices have been increased as producers struggle to maximize profit. A packet of sachet water is now selling at GHC20 pesewas whilst some sellers sell three packets for GHC50 pesewas. A bag of sachet water containing 30 pieces which was sold at GHC1.50 pesewas is now selling between GHC3.00 and GHC3.50 pesewas depending on the producer. For instance, sachet water produced by Voltic Mineral Water Company Limited previously sold at GHC2.50 a bag now cost GH3.50 pesewas. This increment comes a month after the Government Statistician, Dr. Philomena Nyarko revealed that the Northern Region recorded the highest regional year-on-year inflation rate of 21.1 per cent for July 2014. In her analysis, Dr. Nyarko attributed the situation to increases in the price of utilities, fuel and depreciation of the cedi against the major currencies especially the Dollar. Some producers blamed the situation on high utility tariffs especially electricity which is charged in line with the automatic adjustment formula. As a need coupled with the high poverty levels associated with most Tamale residents, consumers called for price reduction. Meanwhile, some retailers of bottled water have threatened to resist any moves by government to introduce new taxes on bottled water.

Source Citi