Concerns of Nepali Water Industries Amid Middle East Tensions

Water industries in Nepal are expressing worries about potential price hikes for water products as they anticipate increased costs of raw materials, especially plastic, attributed to the recent surge in prices. Authorities have reportedly been unable to make a conclusive decision without consulting stakeholders on the public hearing regarding the proposal to grant a commission the power to determine the maximum retail price of bottled water. The President of the Nepal Water Industries Association indicated that the escalating prices of petroleum products and essential raw materials for bottle and jar production have raised apprehensions among business owners, affecting their operations. Currently, business owners have observed a need to raise the price per liter of bottled water from the current rate of 5 rupees and the price of jars from 10 to 12 rupees. An advisory commission that received responsibility for determining wholesale and bottle-jar water pricing is expected to make decisions on this matter after engaging in discussions and consultations with the public and concerned parties. According to the Nepal Water Industries Association, out of the 620 water industries nationwide, 190 have shut down for various reasons. The President of the association, Vikram Limbu Chemjong, noted that the increasing costs of fuel and materials for packaging and sterilization have put operational water industries in a challenging position.