Double Increase in Tariffs: Expert Analyzed Ukraine's IMF Promises for 2025.

With the start of the heating season in Ukraine, discussions began about the possible increase in utility tariffs in the future. Experts and government representatives predict that the cost of housing and utility services may increase as early as 2025, despite the current moratorium on the revision of certain tariffs. This information is reported by Glavred.

The National Bank of Ukraine already indicated in August a gradual increase in tariffs due to the difficult situation in the energy sector and problems with the state budget.

According to the inflation report of the National Bank, it is expected that bringing tariffs to the market level will begin in 2025.

Currently, there is a moratorium in Ukraine on tariff increases for thermal energy and hot water, introduced by law No. 2479-IX. However, it does not cover electricity and cold water. Thus, in May 2023, the government already increased the electricity tariff for the population by 60% – to 4.32 UAH/kWh.

According to experts' forecasts, a significant increase in tariffs can be expected in 2025. For example, Yuri Korolchuk, an expert from the Institute of Energy Strategies, predicts an increase in the electricity tariff to 5 UAH per kilowatt-hour. Regarding heat and water, the expert expects a doubling of tariffs.

The head of "Naftogaz," Oleksiy Chernyshov, previously stated that the market price for gas is about 15 UAH per cubic meter, but due to the moratorium, the company provides gas at 7.96 UAH. Experts predict that the tariff may increase to 9-10 UAH per cubic meter.

The Verkhovna Rada created a temporary investigative commission to study the situation with the formation of prices and tariffs for energy resources and utility services. Its goal is to ensure transparent tariff policy and establish justified costs for each service.

Experts note that tariffs in Ukraine are not only an economic issue but also a political one. The director of energy programs at the Razumkov Center, Volodymyr Omelchenko, points out that it is necessary to change not only the tariffs but also the approaches to their formation to ensure coverage of all costs of utility enterprises.

Also, we remind you about illegal utility bills: the expert suggested how to avoid overpaying in winter.