Government is exploring the local sourcing of polymers – the key raw material in sachet water production – as part of efforts to reduce costs and stabilise prices following the suspension of a planned price increase by producers.

The move comes ahead of a crunch meeting between the Trade Ministry and water producers on Wednesday, aimed at addressing rising input costs and broader challenges within the sector.

Officials say the focus is not only on immediate price stability but also on long-term solutions to reduce reliance on imports.

In an interview, Chief Commercial Officer and Director of Industrial Development at the Ministry, Kofi Addo, indicated that the Ministry acted swiftly after being alerted to the planned price hike.

“Last week, we had the message that this increment was coming on board. And as a ministry, for the protection of our consumers and to ensure price stability in the environment, we quickly started the engagement with the manufacturers and producers.

“So, all that we did was to make sure that we bring stability and to protect our consumers. We are having this meeting to understand the issues that led to the increment. Two, we also want to make sure that all the other players are brought on board, so that when we come out with the solution, everybody will be happy along the value chain.”

Authorities insist the engagement will be swift, with a strong push to resolve pricing concerns.

“So, on Wednesday, we are bringing the manufacturers and the producers to make sure that these issues are resolved and resolved with the speed of light. As a ministry, we are much, much concerned about feeding the industry with available raw materials. In fact, that has been our mandate since the government took over.

“So, what we are doing right now, since the holidays, we are speaking to other people who are in the value chain to see if we can have locally available polymers, which are the main ingredients in the sachet production.”

The ministry is also working to strengthen regulatory frameworks to support consumer protection and competition within the sector.

“Over the years, we have tried to introduce the Consumer Protection and the Competition Bill. As we are speaking right now, the ministry is working on these two important documents to make sure that they are completed on time to support the issues that you have raised.”

Officials believe that improving local input supply and regulation could ease cost pressures and stabilise sachet water prices in the medium term.