Natal, Brazil sees 7% water bill hike and 8.4% rise in basic food basket

The Municipal Water and Sanitation Regulatory Agency (Arsban) approved a 6.98% increase in water and sewage tariffs for Natal, effective July 30. The rise, based on inflation measured by the IPCA index, aims to preserve the economic‑financial balance of the concession contract with the local utility company (Caern). Discounts for low‑income residential categories will remain in place.

A Procon Natal survey released in June shows the price of a 40‑item basic food basket rose to R$473.46, an 0.70% month‑over‑month increase and an 8.4% rise for the first half of 2026. The biggest hikes were in hygiene and cleaning products, while fruit and vegetable prices fell. The basket now represents about 32.9% of the minimum wage, costing a four‑person family roughly R$5,435.48 per month.