BENGALURU: Following the KSRTC bus fare hike of 15 per cent, now milk prices, power, and water tariffs will go up soon. Not only that, Namma Metro is also contemplating a fare hike and the fare fixation committee is expected to give its recommendations soon.
Bengaluru residents are already burdened with price hike on essential items. On one hand, bus fares are increasing, and on the other, water tariffs are also rising. After 10 years, the water tariff is set to increase, reportedly by 15-20 per cent. The reason for this hike is said to be the financial losses incurred by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB).
The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewage Board (BWSSB) chairman Ram Prasad Manohad had earlier written to the 28 MLAs from the city explaining the need for the price hike. A meeting will be held next week to discuss the issue.
The major reasons cited for the price hike:
1. Financial losses incurred by the Water Board.
2. No price revision in the last 10 years (last revision was in 2014).
3. High production costs (Rs 53 for per 53,000 litres) resulting in a monthly loss of Rs 42 crore.
4. Cauvery 5th Stage project has led to losses of Rs 82 crore.
5. The price hike aims to financially revitalize the Water Board and support ongoing projects.
This year, the government is also preparing for a massive hike in electricity tariffs. The proposed hike will be applicable for three years. The plan is to increase the tariff in one go.
The ESCOMs have submitted a proposal to the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) for a multi-year tariff hike starting this year.
The proposal suggests that 67 paise per unit in the first year 2025-26, 74 paise per unit in the second year 2026-27, and 91 paise per unit for the third year 2027-28. If the KERC approved the proposal, the tariff hike is likely to come into effect from April.
The Karnataka government is preparing to increase milk prices too, according to Animal Husbandry Minister K. Venkatesh. The minister confirmed that a proposal to hike milk prices is indeed under consideration.
Minister Venkatesh said that farmers have been demanding a price increase of Rs 10 per litre. The government is discussing the proposal and a final decision will be made soon, he said. The potential price hike is still undecided, with options ranging from Rs 3 to Rs 10 per litre.
Minister Venkatesh emphasized the need to ensure farmers are not exploited, stating, “Why should farmers produce at a loss?” The government aims to find a fair solution that benefits both farmers and consumers.