Why Kenyans may no longer afford tissue paper

A global price rally of paper pulp amid shrinking domestic supply tripled tissue paper costs in Kenya and has kept the prices elevated for more than a year, shining the spotlight on local production of basic products.

During the period, tissue paper price has more than doubled after a pack of 10 rolls surged by an average of Sh300 to Sh500 or more, up from Sh200 previously.

The price shock has turned the basic product into a luxury in many homes, with shoppers now hunting for bargains.

A Business Daily spot check last week revealed that major retailers are selling a 10-pack of Hanan tissue paper at Sh545 while that of Premium Tissue is going for Sh449.

On offer, 10 rolls pack of Tena are fetching Sh499. Other brands that have recorded an increase in prices include Fay, selling at Sh220 for a four-piece pack, but a buyer will save up to Sh6 when purchasing 10 rolls pack.

Kenyan tissue makers attribute the sharp increase to the high cost of raw materials such as the wood-pulp, which is the primary raw material used in the production of toilet rolls due to a jump in costs.

Kenya imports most of its raw materials from Egypt, and the country has so far increased per unit cost of production to over 50 percent, further putting pressure on makers who push the same to consumers.

“The price increase on some of our products was done in 2022 considering the continuous rise in costs of raw materials and freight rates globally. As you are aware, this was also affecting other products in the market as well,” said Assumptah Nzavi, sales Coordinator-Corporate and Hospitality at Chandaria Industries Limited.

In Kenya, the pulp and paper industry is still largely dependent on fibrous wood for production, which was further affected by the government’s ban on logging.

Read the rest of the article in Business Daily here