Hanoi's Party Committee has asked authorised agencies to re-examine the demand and supply of water and electricity to minimise shortages, especially during the prolonged hot summer.

Speaking at an inspection of water and electricity supplies in Hanoi on June 6, Secretary of Hanoi's Party Committee Pham Quang Nghi said after the recent hot days, demand for water demand had already exceeded supplies.

The city's water supplies were unsustainable, he said, and pumping stations were at their maximum capacity.

Nghi said it was time to study the scheduled increase of water prices, which would ease pressure on the State budget and would create funds for water projects to serve the city.

According to the Hanoi Water Supply Company, there would be a shortage of 60,000 cubic metres per day.

Underground water sources are forecast to decrease by 1-3 percent, while the demand for clean water during summer is likely to increase by 7-10 percent compared to the previous year.

Currently, the company supplies 620,000 cubic metres per day.

The company has 12 factories and 10 water stations, and is working with other companies to provide between 40,000-60,000 cubic metres per day for residents in Cau Giay and Dong Da.

The company has also upgraded existing wells and drilled new wells to ensure supplies.

Construction work will begin on two water stations on the Hong and Duong rivers this year to supply an additional 600,000 cubic metres per day.-VNA