Pune, 25th June 2026: As city continues to grapple with alternate-day water supply, residents across the city have raised concerns over the rising cost of private water tankers.
"Operators are charging arbitrary and inflated rates," residents said, adding that with no alternative source of water, many families are being forced to pay excessive amounts to meet their daily needs.
Citizens have demanded that the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) regulate tanker prices. "The PMC should announce fixed rates and take strict action against operators exploiting the ongoing water shortage," they said, arguing that the lack of price control has left consumers vulnerable during a period of increased demand.
Resident Bhushan Gore said, "Private tanker operators are taking advantage of the city's water crisis by charging far beyond reasonable rates. People who urgently need water have no choice but to pay inflated prices." He urged the civic administration to intervene immediately.
Several residents also claimed, "Political interests are linked to the tanker business. While PMC supplies water to tanker operators every day, the same water is being sold to citizens at multiple times its actual cost." Many expressed frustration, saying, "Despite paying regular water taxes, we are still not receiving an adequate and reliable water supply."
Vinayak Mokate said, "The civic body's primary responsibility is to ensure uninterrupted water supply to residents. Immediate and effective measures are needed to address the shortage, as the steep rise in tanker charges is placing both financial and mental stress on citizens."
Meanwhile, some residents questioned PMC's decision, stating, "The city's dams have enough water storage to last until July or August. The move to introduce alternate-day water supply seems to benefit the tanker lobby." They called for greater transparency in the civic body's water management decisions.