Iran War Threatens India's ₹45,000 Cr Bottled Water Market Ahead of Summer

• India's $5 billion (₹45,000 crore) packaged water market faces a crisis due to the Iran war, impacting supply chains before summer.
• War-related disruptions increased costs of plastic bottles, caps, labels, and cardboard boxes; rising oil prices hiked polymer costs by 50%.
• Small manufacturers raised prices by ₹1 per bottle (5%), with potential for another 10%; large companies are absorbing costs for now.
• Consumer price impact is expected in 4-5 days as companies like Aava and Clear Premium Water increase reseller prices.
• India's high groundwater pollution makes bottled water essential, with the premium segment growing rapidly to 8% of the market.