The Guinean Ministry of Industry and Commerce has announced the establishment of price caps for water mineral and mineralized water conditionated, effective October 7, 2026. This decision follows a meeting between government technical services and sector professionals. The new prices aim to regulate the cost of bottled water across the country. Minister Aboubacar KOUROUMA signed the official communiqué on October 6, 2026.
The Ministry's communiqué outlines the structure of the new prices based on packaging. For bottles of 33 to 35 cl, the factory price is set at 20,000 GNF, with a wholesaler price of 22,000 GNF and a retail price of 25,000 GNF. Similar pricing structures are in place for bottles of 50 to 55 cl and 1.5 liters. The prices are designed to provide a standardized pricing framework for the industry.
The Ministry has also clarified the deposit for 19-liter bottles. The deposit, or consigne, for these large containers is set at 50,000 GNF. This amount is collected once during the initial purchase and fully refunded when the bottle is returned in good condition. This measure aims to encourage the return and reuse of large containers.
To ensure compliance with the new pricing structure, the Ministry has imposed clear rules on traders and distributors at all levels. Prices must be displayed at each stage of the commercialization chain. Additionally, any wholesale sales must be accompanied by an invoice specifying the product, packaging, and applied price. Operators are prohibited from refusing sales at the agreed-upon prices.
The Ministry has also established a hotline for consumers to report any non-compliance or abusive practices. The number, 142, allows consumers to alert authorities to potential infractions. Minister KOUROUMA has urged operators to respect the agreed-upon price caps and encouraged consumers to be vigilant and report any irregularities.
The new pricing structure is designed to provide a fair and transparent pricing framework for the bottled water industry in Guinea. By setting price caps and regulating the deposit for large containers, the Ministry aims to protect consumers and promote fair trade practices. The measures are expected to come into effect on October 7, 2026.
The Guinean government has taken steps to communicate the new pricing structure to stakeholders. The Ministry's communiqué has been made public, and consumers and operators are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new prices and regulations. The Ministry will monitor compliance and take action against any operators who fail to adhere to the agreed-upon prices.
Key points
- The Guinean Ministry of Industry and Commerce sets price caps for bottled water effective October 7, 2026.
- The new prices are structured based on packaging, with a factory price of 20,000 GNF for bottles of 33 to 35 cl.
- A hotline, 142, has been established for consumers to report non-compliance or abusive practices.
