Tunisia Raises Drinking Water Prices Amid Lingering Drought

Tunisia, grappling with a persistent five-year drought, has announced an increase in drinking water prices, effective immediately. Despite recent improvements in rainfall, the country’s reservoirs are only filled at a 35% of their capacity, prompting government action.

Last year, Tunisia introduced a rationing system for drinking water, restricting its use in agricultural activities.

According to reports, nightly water supply cutbacks have been in place since last summer, underscoring the severity of the situation.

While the price of water will remain stable for small-scale consumers, consumers exceeding 40 cubic meters will face a 12% tariff hike, amounting to 1.040 Tunisian dinars ($0.33) per cubic meter.

Consumers utilizing between 70 and 100 cubic meters per quarter will face a 13.7% increase, raising the cost to 1.490 dinars per cubic meter.

The most significant surge, standing at 16%, is reserved for consumers exceeding 150 cubic meters and tourist establishments.

This new rate sets the cost at 2.310 dinars per cubic meter, reflecting the urgent need for conservation measures in water consumption across all