Consumers call for stern action against bottled water price hike

Abu Dhabi: People were angry over the price hike of bottled water and called on authorities to intervene and take stern action against the company.

Many residents said they cannot accept the decision of Oasis Water company to help minimise the price increase through value added coupons.

In response to complaints from residents that the price of a five gallon water bottle was increased by about 30 per cent from Dh7 to Dh9, Oasis, in a statement to Gulf News said that price would only be increased by seven per cent -from Dh7 to Dh7.50 through value added coupons.

"I got their brochure mentioning value added coupons. Although I have been their customer for many years I have decided to stop purchasing Oasis and given an order to another company," said an Emirati consumer.

In a comment on the web edition of Gulf News, one comsumer said the coupons have no actual added value as one has to purchase the book for Dh90 and which works for a limited period. "You need to pay in advance to get the discount," he said.

Another consumer said the information on coupons was not new.

"We came to know about the ministry's decision to reject the price increase and did not purchase the coupons. Now we have to pay Dh9 per bottle."

But there are some who would like to continue with Oasis. One consumer said, "I don't like the taste of other brands. I cannot switch."

If you can't afford it, buy something cheaper. That's how capitalism works.
Chad
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: August 03, 2007, 15:09

The government should intervene immediately and Oasis should be penalised so other companies will not increase their prices without prior approval from the government. This is not fair at all to increase the price of drinking water.
Touqir
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: August 03, 2007, 13:38

If you look at all other daily consumable items in the supermarket they are increased by more than 25 per cent, so why shouldn't Oasis water do it?
Babu
Indian,UAE
Posted: August 03, 2007, 11:34

I do not understand why Oasis went ahead with the price increase.
Sara
Ajman,UAE
Posted: August 03, 2007, 07:58

The government should take more effective steps to control the price fluctuation for consumables. Even a 20-fil increase adds up.
Ajith
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 03, 2007, 05:23