SLEWRC Mandates Reversal of Unauthorised Price Increases by Grafton Bottled Water Company

SLEWRC Mandates Reversal of Unauthorised Price Increases by Grafton Bottled Water Company

The Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (SLEWRC) has directed Grafton Bottled Water Company to immediately rescind unauthorised price hikes on its products.

In a notice issued on 25 May 2026, the Commission noted that the company implemented price adjustments without the mandatory regulatory approval required by the SLEWRC Act of 2025.

The company reportedly set new rates of NLe 50 for retail and NLe 47 for wholesale without submitting a formal tariff review application.

The SLEWRC clarified that these rates are not legally recognised, characterising the move as a violation of existing regulatory frameworks.

Grafton has been ordered to revert to the previously approved tariff schedule and cease all unauthorised pricing immediately.

Furthermore, the company must withdraw all advertisements and public communications regarding the unapproved price points.

Distributors and retailers are likewise instructed to discontinue sales of Grafton products at the unapproved rates.

Consumers are advised against paying the inflated prices and are encouraged to report any non-compliance to the Commission.

Non-compliance may result in severe penalties, including administrative fines, prosecution, or the suspension of operating licences.

Grafton representatives are required to appear before the Commission within fourteen days to address these actions and initiate a formal review if a price adjustment is sought.

This intervention underscores SLEWRC's commitment to enforcing pricing compliance and protecting consumer interests within the water sector.