Economy

Are Ukrainians facing a tariff increase: expert forecasts and government statements

ANALYSIS FROM

Ukraine may stop transiting Russian gas in 2025, and this is already raising concerns about the economic consequences. In particular, Oleksiy Kucherenko, Member of Parliament and former Minister of Housing and Communal Services, warns that such a decision could lead to higher tariffs for Ukrainians.

According to Kucherenko, the maintenance of the Ukrainian gas transportation system (GTS), which has been financed mainly by transit payments from Russia, will be a serious challenge. If transit is stopped, the cost of operating the infrastructure may be partially passed on to consumers.

“This will mean an increase in tariffs for the services of the GTS operator. If this is not done, the system will simply not be able to function,” the MP said in an exclusive interview with [Komersant].

Is the government ready to keep tariffs at the same level?

At the same time, the government assures that there will be no changes in tariffs until the end of the current heating season. The Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal emphasized that under the Winter Support program, tariffs for gas, heat and electricity will remain unchanged.

“The government is committed to ensuring that gas, heat and electricity tariffs will not increase until the end of the heating season. We are not planning any increases,” Shmyhal said during a Cabinet meeting on December 3.

However, the National Energy and Utilities Regulatory Commission has already announced a 25.8% increase in the electricity transmission tariff for 2025. This may become a new challenge for consumers, especially if the economic situation in the country worsens after the termination of gas transit.

Currently, the issue of tariffs remains sensitive for Ukrainians, and further developments will depend on government decisions and the international situation in the energy market.

Author – Anastasia Fedor