In recent years, questions surrounding the price of drinking water in Uzbekistan have increased. The main reason is simple: the gap between the actual cost of water and the tariff paid by the population is growing year by year. Experts openly state that this situation cannot last long.
In practice, tariffs for water supply and wastewater services are set on the basis of the law. Tariff proposals are first submitted for public discussion, then conclusions are obtained from the relevant financial and antimonopoly authorities, and only after that are they approved by local councils. In other words, prices are not raised suddenly or secretly in a single day.
According to experts, the main purpose of revising tariffs is to improve water quality and service levels, modernize outdated infrastructure, and ensure the stable operation of the system. Factors such as electricity costs, wages, reagents, repair expenses, and taxes are taken into account.
The greatest pressure comes from rising electricity prices. Since 2023, electricity tariffs have nearly doubled. As a result, wages account for about 30 percent of the cost of one cubic meter of water, while electricity makes up approximately 19 percent. In addition, delivering water over long distances using pumps also increases costs.
Today, across the country, the average price of one liter of drinking water supplied through centralized networks is about 3–4 sums. This is more than a thousand times cheaper than bottled water sold in stores. Nevertheless, due to the delayed revision of tariffs, water supply companies in some regions have suffered significant financial losses.
For comparison, the price of one cubic meter of drinking water in Uzbekistan is considered one of the lowest in the world. Therefore, experts believe that the likelihood of a gradual revision of tariffs in the near future is quite high.
In short, water prices may increase, but this process is necessary not to burden the population, but to preserve the system and improve service quality. People should clearly understand one thing: cheap water is not permanent, while stable supply comes at a cost.
Read “Zamin” on Telegram!
Users of Меҳмон are not allowed to comment this publication.
