The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has introduced new maximum retail prices for locally packaged and bottled drinking water with effect from June 10, increasing price ceilings across all major bottle categories.
The revised prices apply to manufacturers, packers, distributors and traders, who are prohibited from selling bottled drinking water above the prescribed maximum retail prices under a new Extraordinary Gazette notification.
New Maximum Retail Prices
Under the revised order, the maximum retail price for water bottles between 500 ml and 999 ml has been set at Rs. 80.
One-litre to 1.499-litre bottles will carry a maximum retail price of Rs. 120, while bottles between 1.5 litres and 1.999 litres will be capped at Rs. 150.
The maximum retail price for bottles between 2 litres and 2.499 litres has been fixed at Rs. 180. Bottles between 5 litres and 6.999 litres will be sold at a maximum price of Rs. 400.
Compared to the previous pricing order, the latest revision increases the ceiling price by Rs. 10 for 500 ml to 999 ml bottles, Rs. 20 for bottles between 1 litre and 2.499 litres, and Rs. 50 for bottles between 5 litres and 6.999 litres.
Previous Order Revoked
The CAA said the new price control order replaces the previous order published through Gazette Extraordinary No. 2430/15 dated April 1, 2025.
The order was issued under powers granted by Section 20(5) of the Consumer Affairs Authority Act No. 9 of 2003.
Inspections to Begin
The authority said islandwide inspections and raids will be conducted to identify traders selling bottled drinking water above the approved maximum retail prices.
Violations of the new pricing order will be subject to action under consumer protection regulations.
Last modified: June 11, 2026
