site.btaWater Prices Rise by Up to 9.26% across Bulgaria in January

December 17 (BTA) - Water prices are likely to rise across Bulgaria by up to 9.26 per cent from January. The Energy and Water Regulatory Commission will approve the prices of water at a closed-door meeting on December 23, its Chairman Ivan Ivanov said on Tuesday.

The regulator Tuesday considered a report which plans the lowest price hike, 0.1 per cent, for Bulgaria's largest city of Plovdiv. The largest increase, by 9.26 per cent, is proposed for the southern town of Kurdjali. The price rise envisaged for the capital Sofia is 6.64 per cent.

The proposed price hike for the western town of Pernik, where water is rationed due to a severe shortage, is 3.29 per cent.

The water and sewerage companies in four regions - Haskovo, Turgovishte, Kyustendil and Pazardjik - have not approved business plans and prices there will not increase.

Razgrad Region is the only one where the price of water will be reduced. NV/DD

/СН/