Tunisia's bottled water shortage is temporary, says consumer group head

Tunisia is experiencing a temporary disruption in bottled water supply, attributed to a temporary imbalance between supply and demand, compounded by exceptional consumption during a heatwave and electricity outages affecting production.

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The disruption currently recorded in the supply of mineral water reflects a temporary imbalance between supply and demand, as well as at the level of production and distribution continuity, due to the exceptional increase in consumption during the heatwave and the repercussions of electricity cuts on the production rhythm of several bottling units.

Lotfi Riahi, president of the Tunisian Organization for Consumer Orientation (OTOC), assured that this situation does not represent a structural crisis or a threat to the availability of mineral water. He explained that distribution companies reported dwindling stocks due to a surge in demand during the heatwave. This surge, combined with the impact of power cuts on the production rhythm of several bottling units, has depleted regulatory stocks that usually buffer the market during peak periods.

Riahi noted that the Tunisian market has 31 bottling units with a declared production capacity of approximately 520,000 bottles per hour. Daily market needs during peak times are estimated at around 10 million liters. He added that mineral water demand has increased by about 30% compared to usual summer consumption levels. This exceptional rise coincided with more challenging production and distribution conditions, increasing pressure on stocks and the ability of some outlets to ensure regular supply.

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Distribution companies confirmed a drop in stocks due to the sharp rise in demand during the heatwave, combined with the impact of electricity cuts on the production rhythm in several bottling units, which has progressively depleted regulatory stocks that usually help the market cope with peak periods.

He urged citizens to remain calm and avoid panic buying or excessive hoarding, warning that purchasing quantities beyond immediate needs could worsen the pressure on supply. Riahi also highlighted that while no price increases have been recorded at the production or wholesale levels, some retailers are engaging in practices that require monitoring and control.

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Citizens should remain calm and not give in to panic or excessive hoarding, emphasizing that purchasing quantities exceeding real needs risks exacerbating the pressure on supply.