The ongoing conflict between Iran, Israel, and the US is now in its second month. This war is impacting oil supplies worldwide, causing fuel prices to rise continuously. The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has affected supply chains in oil, agriculture, aviation, chemicals, and many other industries. Now, its effect is also being seen in India’s bottled water sector.
India’s largest packaged water company, Bisleri, recently increased prices by 11%. This has raised the price of a one-liter pack of 12 bottles by 24 rupees. Brands like Bailley and Clear Premium Water have also increased their prices.
Angelo George, CEO of Bisleri, told Reuters that the price of packaged water has now reached 20 rupees per liter due to a significant increase in packaging material costs. He stated that the cost of packaging material has increased by more than 70% in the last fortnight.
Packaged Water Becomes More Expensive Due to Rising Prices of PET Bottles
Due to the ongoing conflict in Iran, the prices of packaged drinking water in India have surged. The reason is that PET bottles for bottled water are made from polymers derived from crude oil. Due to the war, polymer prices have increased by almost 50%. As a result, the price of plastic resins has risen from 115 rupees per kilogram to 180 rupees per kilogram.
According to a BBC report, Vaibhav Saraogi, Director of Chemco Plastic Industries Pvt Ltd, said, “The increase in PET preform prices affects not only bottled water but the entire packaging industry.” PET packaging is widely used in many sectors such as beverages, food delivery, medicines, and cosmetics.
