A proposal this month in Shenzhen may increase water prices for households 30% and for businesses more than 60% if approved, the South China Morning Post reported. Guangdong is in the midst of its worst drought in decades, and Shenzhen officials said that the price increases were essential for equipment investments and internal administrative costs, as well as to ensure profits of 6% for water supply groups. The government also proposed subsidies to low-income families to prevent a substantial impact to their lifestyles from increased water prices. Other cities in China that have either raised or have plans to raise water prices include Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Shenyang, Guangzhou, Nanjing and Chongqing.
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