Public patience snapped as long lines, rationing, and black markets for bottled water emerged, with stores sometimes hiding stock and deliveries becoming chaotic.

Protests and official statements reflected growing anger at the government, with authorities pointing to sabotage on one side and aging infrastructure and underinvestment on the other as root causes.

Residents, farmers, and various media outlets have weighed in, painting a broad picture of a water and power crisis that attracts both local and international attention.

The crisis hit its peak in the summer, as extreme heat and extended blackouts disrupted daily life nationwide.

Early September brought a fragile improvement in water distribution, with about 2.3 million bottles flowing daily in Tunis and its suburbs, while shortages lingered elsewhere.

Farmers faced catastrophic losses from heat and power outages, including poultry mortality and higher costs for diesel-generated electricity.

Power cuts continued to disrupt households and water-dependent industries such as poultry, dairies, and other businesses, amplifying economic damage.

There is growing concern that unresolved crisis and lack of action could rekindle social unrest reminiscent of 2011.

Officials and unions blame infrastructure neglect and rising seasonal demand, while climate-induced heatwaves aggravate the situation, disputing sabotage theories.

Water prices for bottled water surged beyond state-set limits, with some vendors profiteering by selling at inflated rates.