Water, the most basic human necessity, is turning into a luxury product in parts of the world. A recent global study by the nonprofit organization World Population Review shows a startling rise in the price of bottled mineral water, with Switzerland leading the list.
According to the report, the average price of one liter of bottled water in Switzerland is Tk 560, and in some high-end areas, it even crosses Tk 1,590. Yes, that’s not wine or perfume—that’s water.
The remaining top spots are also held by European countries:
- Luxembourg: Tk 415
- Denmark: Tk 357
- Germany: Tk 330
- Norway: Tk 329
Other countries where water doesn’t come cheap:
- Austria: Tk 325
- Belgium: Tk 316
- Netherlands: Tk 312
- Australia: Tk 274
- Israel: Tk 269
The report, which analyzed data from 100 countries, paints a picture of a world where access to bottled water reflects economic hierarchy. At the bottom of the list, Egypt offers the cheapest bottled water at just Tk 15 per liter, while Bangladesh follows with a modest average of Tk 20 per liter, a reminder that in some parts of the world, water still respects its identity as a right, not a luxury.
In South Asia, the prices are still within reach:
- India: Tk 25
- Pakistan: Tk 32
- Nepal: Tk 25
- Sri Lanka: Tk 55
The findings highlight a deeper concern as the world grapples with climate change, urbanization, and the privatization of natural resources; even something as simple as a bottle of water is becoming a symbol of economic disparity.
From right to privilege, from necessity to luxury, bottled water is now a price-tagged thirst.
