Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Higher water, CNG prices dull 2012 cheer

NEW DELHI: If you thought that 2011 drained your pockets, then get ready as 2012 will surely poke humungous holes in them. January 1, 2012 will see an automatic hike of 10% in water tariff, a CNG price hike has already been , a petrol hike is on the cards and power tariff too will see some level of jump. The most recent food price index shows that prices have come down but not one Delhiite will agree with this as prices of vegetables have taken a leap forward in December. 

Delhi Jal Board increased its tariff in 2010 with an in-built system for a hike of 10% each year for a period of four years. This is required, officials say, to keep up with the rising power tariff. However Delhiites, who often complain of poor water supply, could not care less. "We get water only for an hour or so each day. So how does it matter if power prices go up? At least services should be improved if we are paying more for water," said Sunita Bahri, a resident of Vasant Kunj. 

Power tariffs will also see some hike this year. According to sources, discoms are to recover Rs 4,800 crores over the next three years which will definitely necessitate a change in tariff. "The true-ups for 2010-11 for all three discoms, BRPL, BYPL and NDPL, amount to approximately Rs 3,000 crore which has to be recovered in future years, clearly hinting at more tariff hikes coming up in the Delhi power sector," said sources. With the government to infuse an equity of Rs 500 crore in discom BSES, Delhiites are worried that together with higher power bills, they might also be saddled with more taxes. 

with thanks : Times of India : link in the headline above for detailed news.

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