Nigerian Breweries has announced a forthcoming increase in beer prices, citing the escalating production costs. This marks the third hike in less than a year, with consumers set to bear the brunt of this adjustment starting this Friday, seven months post the previous adjustment.
Despite being the largest and oldest brewery in Nigeria, Nigerian Breweries faced a significant setback last year, reporting a net loss of 106 billion naira ($66 million; £53 million). The devaluation of the local currency, the naira, contributed to this financial downturn by inflating the expenses associated with importing brewing ingredients.
The economic challenges in Nigeria, characterized as the worst in a generation, have prompted widespread price hikes by local manufacturers across various industries.
The scarcity of foreign currency for importing raw materials, coupled with unreliable power supply, stands out as pivotal factors intensifying production costs and hindering business operations in the country.
The compounding effects of exorbitant food and transportation costs have led to a surge in poverty, adding another layer to the multifaceted economic crisis faced by the nation.