The Algerian government has announced an increase in the water rates by 2.50 dinars, equivalent to 0.03 euro, which constitutes a 65% increase, as of January 1 2005.
The move has been fiercely attacked in the local Algerian press. There are fears among many anti-privatization campaigners that this could be a prelude to raising prices ahead of a privatization deal.
There is no evidence as yet that the increase is directly related to privatization but in general the price of utilities such as water and electricity has been on the rise in Algeria.
