Producers of table water in Ondo State, under the auspices of the Association Table Water Processors, Ondo State Chapter, have threatened to increase the price of table water, following the high cost of production.
The group expressed concern over the incessant increase in the cost of raw materials and equipment for water production, saying the development might cause an upward review of the price of the product to enable them to continue being in business.
The state Chairman of the association, Stephen Bolawole, disclosed this while addressing stakeholders at a seminar organised for all water producers in Akure South, Akure North, Idanre and Ifedore local government areas of the state on Friday.
The seminar themed, ‘The best global practices in producing safe and hygienic water for consumption,’ was organised by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Commission and Ondo State Vehicle Inspection Services.
Bolawole said the hyperinflation being experienced in the country “is forcing their members out of business as many producers can no longer cope with the maintenance of their equipment and sundry expenses”.
He said, “The diesel which used to be sold for N130 has skyrocketed to N800 and above. A Toyota Dyner vehicle commonly used for water distribution, which was earlier sold for N1.6m, has jumped to N6m and above, apart from its costly spare parts for maintenance.
“While a kilogramme of nylon used is now sold for N1,750 against its old price of N520 and packing nylon, initially sold for N2,800, has risen to N7,500 per bundle, among others production materials, making it difficult for us to break even.”