Kochi: The rising temperatures have turned packaged drinking water into an essential necessity in Kerala. It is estimated that Keralites have spent approximately Rs 100 crore on bottled water in the past eight months.

Compared to previous years, the rainfall deficit and soaring temperatures increased water consumption, resulting in a substantial increase in sales of bottled water. 

Between February and May, bottled water sales increased in Kerala due to the rise in temperature and various festive events. 

Realizing the increased demand in Kerala, companies had increased the supply of bottled water in the market. Merchants reveal that an increase of 20 per cent in sales was recorded during the Onam season alone. 

Around 60,000 one-litre packaged drinking water is sold per day in the state. Most of the sales are in tourist areas and town centres, with half-litre and one-litre bottles sold at Rs 10 and Rs 20 respectively. However, Hilly Aqua, a bottled water brand under state government-owned Kerala Irrigation Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (KIIDC), is priced at Rs 15 per litre.

Meanwhile, residences and commercial establishments also favour 20-litre mineral water jars. The suppliers charge around Rs 60 per unit from the public. The demand is higher in Ernakulam district, followed by Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode and Thrissur district.