Sri Lanka Bottled Water Association seeks suspension of MRP gazette

The Sri Lanka Bottled Water Association (SLBWA) has requested President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to revoke or temporarily suspend the gazette introducing maximum retail prices (MRPs) for bottled drinking water, considering the cost-related pressures faced by the industry. 

In a letter addressed to the President, Industries Minister and Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA), the SLBWA stated that many small and medium-scale producers are struggling to continue operations under the current pricing structure, warning that the situation could affect the supply of safe drinking water.

The SLBWA referred to Gazette Extraordinary No. 2430/15, issued on April 1, 2025 by the CAA, which set the MRPs for bottled drinking water, including Rs.70 for 500 ml to 999 ml bottles, 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, the production and operating costs were relatively stable. However, the SLBWA added that the situation has since changed significantly, making it increasingly difficult for the manufacturers to operate within the fixed price limits. 

Among the key challenges highlighted were the rising fuel costs, which have increased both production and transportation expenses, higher cost of PET plastic, a petroleum-based material used for bottles, supply disruptions in parts of the Middle East that have affected imports of raw materials, increased international shipping and freight charges, electricity tariff hikes that have raised the cost of operating bottling and water treatment facilities and difficulties in sourcing certain essential raw materials. 

In view of these developments, the SLBWA has urged the authorities to review the current pricing framework and provide relief to ensure the continued operation of the bottled drinking water industry.