North Cyprus authorities announces huge hike in water prices

A significant increase in water prices is set to come into force as of Sunday, June 15, according to a newly amended regulation published in the Official Gazette. 

The revised tariffs mark an approximate 100% price hike, reflecting a major shift in the cost of both drinking and agricultural water supplies across municipalities.

Under the updated regulation titled “Rules on the Use, Distribution, Ownership Rights, and Fee Determination and Collection of Drinking and Agricultural Water (Amendment)”, prepared in accordance with the Water Affairs Department (Establishment, Duties, and Operating Principles) Law, the base price of water supplied from the Republic of Turkey will see a dramatic jump.

The rate for drinking water delivered to municipalities from Turkey will increase from 9.80 TL to 18.28 TL per cubic meter. Municipalities that continue to rely on local water sources, despite the availability of Turkish water, will also be charged 18.28 TL per cubic meter based on measured usage.

In regions where water from Turkey has not yet been delivered, the new drinking water tariff for municipalities will range between 7 TL and 17 TL per cubic meter—up from the current 3 TL to 8 TL range.

Agricultural water tariffs are also rising. Rates for irrigation water supplied to agricultural subscribers will go up from 4.90 TL to 8.55 TL per cubic meter. This new rate will apply uniformly to water from local sources, Turkish water, and water used by public institutions such as revolving fund agricultural research centers, forestry services, and agricultural vocational schools.

Each municipality will independently determine the final price charged to consumers through its own local regulations.

The substantial price adjustment comes amid broader efforts to update infrastructure costs and improve water resource management, though the decision is expected to place added financial pressure on households and farmers alike.