The Ministry of Industry and Commerce in Guinea has issued a warning against the recent surge in prices of bottled water, deeming it unjustified. On October 1, 2026, Minister Aboubacar Kourouma released a communiqué expressing concern over the price increase, which occurred after the implementation of a ban on the manufacture and commercialization of single-use plastic items on September 20, 2026.
The ban, aimed at reducing plastic waste, seems to have had an unintended consequence on the bottled water market. According to the Ministry, the price hike is not justified by any changes in the market or production costs. Minister Kourouma urged all stakeholders in the distribution chain to maintain the prices that were in effect before the ban.
The Ministry's communiqué emphasized that the ban on single-use plastics does not warrant an increase in bottled water prices. Kourouma invited producers, importers, distributors, and traders to exercise restraint and avoid profiteering from the new regulation. The Ministry is taking steps to diversify the market and meet consumer needs, including introducing new bottle sizes and promoting biodegradable packaging.
To ensure compliance, the Ministry plans to strengthen market surveillance and control. Consumers are encouraged to report any unjustified price hikes or unfair commercial practices to the Ministry's hotline, 142. When making a report, consumers are asked to provide details such as the location of the vendor, the product in question, and the price being charged.
The Ministry's move aims to balance the need to reduce plastic waste with the need to protect consumers from unfair pricing practices. By promoting sustainable packaging options and maintaining fair prices, the Ministry hopes to mitigate the impact of the ban on both businesses and consumers.
The introduction of biodegradable packaging and new bottle sizes is expected to provide consumers with more choices and help reduce waste. The Ministry's efforts to engage with stakeholders and monitor the market will be crucial in ensuring a smooth transition to more sustainable practices.
As the situation continues to unfold, consumers and businesses alike will be watching the Ministry's actions closely. With the Ministry's warning and planned measures, it remains to be seen how the market will respond and whether prices will stabilize.
Key points
- The Ministry of Industry and Commerce in Guinea has warned against unjustified price hikes for bottled water following a ban on single-use plastics.
- The Ministry has urged stakeholders to maintain pre-ban prices and has introduced measures to diversify the market and promote sustainable packaging.
- Consumers can report unfair pricing practices to the Ministry's hotline, 142.
