Soft drinks prices to be cut by 75 precent

Restaurants and shops in Kuwait could soon be forced to sell soft drinks at their “actual prices” as per new regulations that could bring down prices by 75 percent, a local daily reported yesterday. “Restaurant and major stores sell soft drinks for prices that exceed their actual value by ten to fifteen times,” Al-Rai said, quoting sources in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It indicated that following a study carried out recently at the local market, the ministry has decided to reduce the prices “to their supposed normal rates”. The sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, also said that discussions within the ministry focused on allowing stores to have profit margins ranging between 50 and 100 percent. “The prime cost for a can of soda is estimated at less than 50 Fils, while it is offered for more than one Dinar at certain places,” the sources added. However, they did not specify whether hotels will be covered by the new stipulation. The ministry also has plans to ban serving of soda drinks with children’s meals at local restaurants, according to earlier reports. From : Kuwait times