Swaziland: Beer prices increased as from January 2006

The prices of beer have gone up by 6% with effect from January 23, 2006, The Swazi Observer cited Swaziland Beverages. The annual increase was in line with the inflation rate, Sharon Maziya, the spokesperson of Swaziland Beverages, said in a statement. She added that recommended retail prices were handed to retailers last week and the announcement was merely being made to avoid taking members of the public by surprise.

"Increases in wholesale prices, however, would vary between brands and packs. Price increases are set according to a number of variables, including raw material costs, commodity price cycles, transportation, freight costs (fuel cost), and the general inflation outlook," Maziya stated.

She said because beer prices in bottle stores, taverns and bars were set by retailers, it was not possible to say when and by what margin the retail prices might increase.

A 750ml bottle of beer used to retail at around E7, which means the price might have ballooned to around E7.50.

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