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Chennai Metro Water Hikes Tanker Tariffs Amid Rising Costs, Consumer Concerns

CHENNAI, INDIA – December 7, 2025 – Chennai Metrowater has announced an increase in tariffs for its paid tanker water supply service, the first such adjustment in six years. The move, effective this month, is aimed at offsetting rising production costs and accommodating higher rates quoted by contracted tanker operators.

The price revision includes adjustments to existing 6-kl and 9-kl tanker services, now priced at ₹550 and ₹825 respectively, for domestic consumers booking through the “dial-for-water” online service. To meet the growing demand for bulk water supply, particularly in southern Chennai, Metrowater has introduced new 12-kl and 18-kl tanker categories. The 12-kl tankers are priced at ₹1,100 for domestic consumers and ₹2,050 for partly commercial consumers, while 18-kl trips will cost ₹1,650 (domestic) and ₹3,070 (partly commercial).

Metrowater officials stated that the price increases were necessary to maintain the service, with approximately 450 hired lorries currently operating 3,500-3,900 trips daily, a significant portion of which serves bulk consumers. The agency has also removed the daily trip limit for apartment complexes, now allowing trips based on advance payment.

While the tariff hike and expanded service are intended to benefit both residents and the water agency, concerns remain. Harsha Koda, cofounder of the Federation of OMR Residents Welfare Associations, expressed skepticism about the long-term sustainability of the tanker supply service, particularly to bulk consumers.

Geetha Ganesh of Velachery highlighted issues faced by residents with smaller sump capacities, who are sometimes restricted to booking only the larger 12-kl tankers. She reiterated the need for increased piped water supply to all areas of the city.

Metrowater officials acknowledged the limitations and stated that diverting smaller tankers to the online service would negatively impact street supply. They emphasized that the larger capacity tankers will primarily serve areas on the city’s fringes, which lack piped water infrastructure, and reduce the frequency of trips needed for bulk consumers.

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