Hike in Water, Electricity Tariffs Ratified

The Energy Ministry’s proposal to hike water and electricity tariffs has been ratified by the Cabinet, based on which the two vital commodities’ prices will rise by 7%. As per the new rule, which went into effect on April 21, charges for electricity subscribers with a capacity of 30 kilowatts and more will stand at 99,000 rials ($2.36). Users will have to pay 11,000 rials (26 cents) for those using less than 30 KW, IRNA reported. The new mandate also puts the water charges for all users at 10,000 rials (24 cents). The Energy Ministry has clarified that the plan is aimed at compensating a part of distributors’ expenses. Data released by Energy Ministry show that among more than 200 countries, Iran sells the cheapest power on average at 700 rials (about 2 cents) per kilowatt-hour after India, Kuwait and China.