The Deputy Minister of Energy states that the ministry's proposal for increasing water tariffs has been approved by the Economic Council, but 'its nature has been somewhat moderated.' According to ISNA news agency, Sattar Mahmoudi, the Deputy Minister of Energy, mentioned on October 7 that the price of electricity will 'not be increased for now.' This official noted that the main increase in water prices pertains to 'higher consumption classes,' and the tariff increase for those with low or medium consumption will not be significant. The new prices are not yet specified. Mahmoudi emphasized that the 'floor' consumption price will remain the same as before, or its increase will be minimal. The floor consumption of water in Iran is considered to be 20 cubic meters. Previously, the Ministry of Energy estimated the 'consumption pattern' at 18 cubic meters, stating that 70% of consumers use up to 20 cubic meters. Mahmoudi stated, 'The claim that the cost price of water is 1200 tomans is an average assessment.' At the end of September, Alireza Daemi, the Deputy Minister of Energy, had stated that 'the cost price of each cubic meter of water this year is 1200 tomans.' The cost price of water last year was estimated at 960 tomans. Sattar Mahmoudi promised that the Ministry of Energy would not move towards charging the cost price of water, '1200 tomans' per cubic meter. According to the Deputy Minister of Energy, the current average charge of 350 tomans per cubic meter of water is one-fourth of its cost price. On October 7, the Deputy Minister of Energy stated that the ministry intended to increase the water tariff by 20%, but what has been approved is less than this amount. The issue of a 20% increase in water prices has also been raised in previous years. Iran is increasingly facing a water crisis. Iranian government officials say water consumption has 'exceeded the crisis threshold' and the amount of extraction from surface waters is 'catastrophic.' Meanwhile, experts also consider poor management and drought as the main reasons for water shortages and are calling for urgent attention to agricultural conditions. In this regard, the University of Tehran has been tasked with addressing the situation of the Gotvand Dam, and the Iranian Minister of Energy announced the halt of construction on some dams in the country.
Ministry of Energy: Water Prices to Increase in the Coming Days
The Iranian Ministry of Energy has approved a proposal to increase water tariffs, primarily affecting high consumption classes, while maintaining lower rates for average consumers. This move comes amid a growing water crisis in Iran, with officials warning of severe shortages and urging immediate agricultural reforms.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The Iranian Ministry of Energy has approved a proposal to increase water tariffs, primarily targeting high consumption users while keeping rates stable for lower consumption classes. This decision comes amid a severe water crisis in the country.
- Water tariffs are set to increase, particularly for high consumption classes.
- Iran is facing a significant water crisis, with consumption exceeding sustainable levels.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Iran is facing a severe water crisis due to a combination of drought, mismanagement, and high consumption rates, necessitating urgent reforms in water management and pricing.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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