Following the declaration by the service providers to raise their pricing and charges, the general people would start paying more starting next week for sachet water and transportation.
While the National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers (NASPWAP) and the coalition of private transport operators have agreed to a 30% increase in fares beginning on September 21, 2022, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has announced an increase in the prices of sachet and bottled water beginning on September 19, 2022.
The makers of water said that the rise was necessary due to growing costs for inputs including gasoline and packaging materials, which were primarily imported, as well as an increase in power and water rates that went into effect on September 1 of this year.
Water
With the proposed price increase, a 500 ml bottle of water would cost GHS 2, a 750 ml bottle will cost GHS 2.5, and a 1.5-litre bottle will cost GHS 3.50. A sachet of water, also known as "clean water," will cost 50 pesewas.
In addition, a bag of 500ml sachet water (30 sachets) would cost GH7, while mini stores will charge GH9.
The group claims that "fuel prices have dramatically increased since our previous evaluation. It was GH9 and is now GH14.50, according to Magnus Nunoo, head of the water producers organization.
Therefore, he asked members in all regions to maintain pricing consistency.
However, Mr. Nunoo issued a warning that there could be minor changes in the regions as a result of various transportation costs to far-flung and isolated locales.
"The recommended modification is intended to assist manufacturers in meeting their production expenses. We recognize the struggles that our customers have in dealing with these challenges. We want everyone to be patient with us," he stated.
Transportation costs
In a related development, the GPRTU stated that the decision to increase transportation costs was made in order to support their company given the increase in the price of gasoline and replacement components.
Abass Imoro, the GPRTU's public relations officer, issued a statement in which he said, "In conjunction with our mother organization, the GPRTU of TUC, we desire to inform to the general public that there would be a 30% hike on tickets commencing September 21, 2022."
He said that "we are unable to generate enough money to care for our family and pay off our loans," and further blamed their choice on the rise in gasoline products, replacement parts, and the government's bad handling of the economy.
The statement continued, "As a result of rising costs for food, fresh water, spare parts, and electricity and water, we are forced to raise our rates as well.
However, the group advised its members not to raise prices by more than the agreed-upon 30%.