Prime Minister Sherif Ismail signed off yesterday on raising water prices by as much as 50%. Consumers across all consumption tiers will be paying more under the new regime, which goes into effect retroactive to Tuesday, 1 August. The new prices for residential use ranged from EGP 0.45 to EGP 2.15 per cubic meter depending on consumption, according to the price breakdown published on the Official Gazette. Sewage fees, which are set as a percentage of water prices, have increased to 63% of the water price (up from 57%). Prices for business range from EGP 2.00 to EGP 6.95, depending on industry and consumption levels. Sewage fees for businesses have increased to 92% of the water price. The price hike comes nearly a month after the government cut subsidies for both fuel and electricity.