Severe water shortages in Tehran have triggered a surge in demand for water pumps and storage tanks, with sellers either raising prices by 50 per cent above normal rates or refusing to sell the equipment altogether.
Mehdi Azarnia, head of the Agricultural Machinery Sellers Union, said the water crisis has dramatically increased demand for household water pumps, creating opportunities for some manufacturers to exploit the situation by raising prices.
“Following the noticeable drop in water pressure, demand for household water pumps has increased,” Azarnia said, referring to drought conditions and reduced water pressure across the country.
He said some manufacturers have raised prices by up to 40 per cent, and in some cases, are withholding products from the market to drive prices even higher.
About 30 manufacturers produce household pumps in Iran, according to Azarnia, who heads the Industrial and Construction Machinery Union.
“Previously, water pumps were mainly used in buildings with four floors or more, but this year even residents of single-story homes have been forced to install pumps and water tanks,” he said.
Azarnia warned against buying water pumps online, saying customers often receive different products than what was advertised.
He advised consumers to purchase only from licensed businesses to avoid potential problems.
Iran is experiencing one of its worst droughts in decades, with water shortages affecting major cities, including the capital Tehran.
The water shortage has particularly affected Tehran’s 10 million residents, with many neighborhoods experiencing reduced water pressure or intermittent service.
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