Karachi residents could soon face higher water tanker charges as the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) reviews existing tariffs in response to increasing diesel prices. The utility has established a committee to examine current operating costs and recommend new rates before awarding the next round of hydrant contracts.
According to officials, the committee will assess fuel expenses, transportation costs and other operational factors to determine whether the existing water tanker pricing remains practical. Rising diesel prices have significantly increased the cost of delivering water across the city, making it difficult for tanker operators to continue services under the current tariff structure.
Hydrants Cell In-charge and Superintending Engineer Ayaz Tunio confirmed that the review process is underway. He explained that the rates approved earlier no longer reflect present fuel prices, and many water tanker operators believe continuing operations at the current charges is no longer financially sustainable.
At present, a 1,000-gallon General Public Supply (GPS) water tanker costs Rs1,560, while a commercial tanker of the same size is priced at Rs3,120. A 2,000-gallon GPS tanker costs Rs2,184, a 3,000-gallon tanker is available for Rs2,808, and a 5,000-gallon tanker is charged at Rs3,900. Customers also pay additional transportation fees when deliveries are made beyond a 10-kilometre distance.
Officials have indicated that these prices may increase substantially once the committee completes its review and submits its recommendations.
The proposed revision comes at a time when many Karachi residents already pay much higher prices than the officially notified rates to obtain water for daily household use. In many areas, people rely heavily on private water tanker services because of irregular municipal water supply.
Meanwhile, another challenge has emerged as hydrant contractors claim that the KWSC owes them more than Rs4.14 billion in unpaid service charges under the DC quota scheme. The contractors say they supplied water to low-income neighbourhoods on official instructions but have yet to receive payment.
If approved, the revised water tanker rates are expected to place an additional financial burden on millions of Karachi residents who depend on tanker services to meet their daily water needs, especially in areas where regular piped water remains unavailable.
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