CHENNAI: Prices of packaged drinking water, including 20-litre bubble top cans, have increased by Rs 5, as manufacturers grapple with rising production and transportation costs.

Industry representatives said the cost of raw materials has gone up by nearly 40 per cent, while electricity charges have steadily increased over the past four years, adding to operational expenses.

E Saravanan, general secretary of the Greater Tamil Nadu Packaged Drinking Water Manufacturers Association, said the price of a 20-litre empty bubble top can has risen sharply from Rs 110-115 earlier to Rs 170.

The increase in input costs has led to a revision in retail prices. A 500 ml water bottle now costs Rs 15, up from Rs 10, while the price of a 1-litre bottle has increased from Rs 20 to Rs 25. The cost of a 20-litre water can has gone up from Rs 30 to Rs 35.

Manufacturers pointed out that electricity tariffs have seen a steady rise in recent years. Tariffs increased by 2.18 per cent in 2023 and 4.83 per cent in 2024, followed by around 3.16 per cent. For the period from 2025 to 2026, tariffs are expected to rise between 3.16 per cent and 3.4 per cent. The current cost of electricity stands at Rs 8 per unit.

They added that higher transportation costs, longer distribution distances and rising labour wages have also contributed to the price hike.