Is it permissible to overcharge someone for water if it is available for them to purchase?

Chapter on Tayammum

Al-Mughni

Book of Purification

Book 2 · Issue 7 · Bab 10

Open in Qurani

Primary text

If water is available but not offered freely, it is not permissible for the provider to charge an excessive price if the water is in surplus to the provider's needs, because necessity does not compel the necessity of the water in that scenario, as there is an alternative (tayammum). This contrasts with food during famine.