SLBWA seeks suspension of bottled water MRP gazette

The Sri Lanka Bottled Water Association (SLBWA) has urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to revoke or temporarily suspend the gazette imposing maximum retail prices (MRPs) on bottled drinking water, citing mounting cost pressures on the industry.

In a letter addressed to the President, the Minister of Industries, and the Consumer Affairs Authority, the Association warned that many small and medium-scale producers are struggling to sustain operations under the current pricing regime. It cautioned that continued pressure could disrupt the supply of safe drinking water.

The Association referred to Gazette Extraordinary No. 2430/15, issued on April 1, 2025 by the CAA, which set MRPs for bottled water at Rs. 70 for 500 ml to 999 ml, Rs. 100 for one litre to 1.499 litres, Rs. 130 for 1.5 litres to 1.999 litres, Rs. 160 for two litres to 2.499 litres, and Rs. 350 for five to 6.999 litres.

It noted that when the gazette was introduced, production and operating costs were relatively stable. However, conditions have since shifted significantly, making it increasingly difficult for manufacturers to operate within the fixed price structure.

Key challenges cited include rising fuel costs that have driven up production and transport expenses, increased prices of PET plastic, a petroleum-based raw material, supply disruptions linked to tensions in parts of the Middle East affecting imports, higher global shipping and freight charges, electricity tariff hikes impacting bottling and water treatment operations, and ongoing difficulties in sourcing essential raw materials.