Higher water bills coming next month

MANILA, Philippines — Higher water bills loom for Metro Manila consumers starting next month, as regulators have adjusted rates for Maynilad Water Services Inc. and Manila Water Co. Inc. tied to peso-dollar movements.

The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Regulatory Office (MWSSRO) yesterday said a rate hike of 24 centavos per cubic meter will be implemented for Maynilad water bills beginning Oct. 1.

This equates to an increase of P0.67 for those consuming 10 cubic meters or less, P2.54 for those using 20 cubic meters and P5.19 for those using 30 cubic meters.

On the other hand, Manila Water will have a rate increase of eight centavos per cubic meter.

Customers will experience an increase P0.34 for those consuming 10 cubic meters or less, P0.75 for those using 20 cubic meters and P1.53 for 30 cubic meters.

The rate increase comes following the approval of the foreign currency differential adjustment for the fourth quarter of 2026 by the MWSSRO Board of Trustees on Aug 7.

Meanwhile, a wave of hefty fuel price increases is expected next week with escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Following four-day movements in the Mean of Platts Singapore and foreign exchange rates, industry estimates suggest a potential hike of P2 to P2.50 per liter for diesel prices on Sept. 15.

Gasoline prices, meanwhile, are seen rising by a much steeper P4.50 to P5 per liter.

However, consumers can expect relief from electricity price hikes as Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) is cutting rates by P0.0409 per kilowatt-hour in September, driven by lower ancillary service charges and taxes.

The adjustment brought the overall rate for a typical household down to P14.7424 per kWh this month from August’s P14.7833.