Pune: Laundry services become costlier in New Year

Pune: The Puneites have to welcome New Year with a price hike. The laundry owners’ association in the city has hiked their rates. They have justified the hike in the backdrop of rising inflation, increased power tariff and growing expenditure on other inputs. Members unanimously approved the rate hike.

The association said, “Expenditure on power, water, chemicals and manpower has increased exponentially in the laundry business. In this backdrop, it was not affordable to provide services. Therefore, the association made the decision and also considered the interest of their customers. The price hike was necessary but was minimised. The last hike was affected in 2021.

“Later, the association did not increase their rates considering the pandemic and financial stress on customers. However, it has become difficult to sustain due to growing inflation. Therefore, the decision to increase service rates was taken. New rates came into effect from January 1, 2025.”

Rahul Rakshe, Secretary, Laundry Vyavsayik Sangh, said, “Our business is under duress due to rising inflation and increased power tariffs. We have to hike rates as we could not afford to provide services at the old rates. However, we have minimised the rate hike considering the interest of customers.”

Old rates

Ironing: Rs 10 per piece

Washing and ironing: Rs 50-60 per piece

New rates

Ironing: Rs 15 per piece

Washing and ironing: Rs 80 per piece