The state Congress government planning to increase the water charges in the city soon

Congress govt in Karnataka state is likely to hike water charges shortly after increasing the Petrol and Diesel prices by increasing Cess in state. The state government had last week hiked sales tax on fuel which has made petrol and diesel costlier by ₹3 and ₹3.5 per litre, respectively.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Wednesday indicated that a possible hike in the monthly water charges in the city is on the cards as he highlighted the financial strains faced by the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB).

Shivakumar, who is also the Minister in-charge of Bengaluru development, said the loss-making BWSSB has not been able to take up new projects.

Karnataka Deputy CM DK.Shivakumar says, "The water tariff has not been increased for the last 14 years. It is becoming difficult for the BWSSB to pay electricity bills and payroll expenses. The Board has been incurring losses every year. Bengaluru needs water now. Should the water tariff be increased or not? You tell me." while speaking to media.