Kuwait Government Caps Purchase of Drinking Water

Buyers limited to maximum 5 cartons per receipt as authorities move to curb panic-buying and hoarding
KUWAIT — Kuwait’s government has imposed a limit on the purchase of drinking water. According to Arab media, Kuwait’s Ministry of Social Affairs said restrictions on the purchase of bottled water from central markets and cooperative society branches will remain in place, with each buyer allowed to purchase a maximum of 5 cartons of water per receipt.
The ministry warned that current regulations on bottled water sales will not be relaxed, and cooperative societies must strictly enforce the rule. Officials said the measure is aimed at preventing panic-driven excessive buying and unnecessary hoarding, which places undue pressure on supply and causes overcrowding at points of sale.
The ministry clarified that neither the production nor the supply of bottled water has been affected — factories continue to produce in large quantities, and supplies are being regularly delivered to markets and cooperative societies. Officials described the restriction as a precautionary measure meant to keep purchasing patterns orderly and ensure equal access to water for all consumers. The ministry warned that violations of the order will result in action, and urged consumers to buy only according to need, avoid hoarding, and refrain from spreading unverified information.