Tariffs rose by 50% over the weekend: Popenko explained who is inflating electricity prices for Ukrainians.

The head of the Union of Consumers of Public Utilities Oleg Popenko stated that monopolists are artificially inflating tariffs. He emphasized this in a program with Yuriy Romanenko on June 4.

The cost of electricity on the Ukrainian energy market has skyrocketed by 52% in recent days to 98 euros per megawatt-hour. This is higher than in most European countries and is occurring during a period of low consumption.

Anomalous growth under low demand conditions

The expert noted that the price increase occurred at an unusual time. 'This time, the cost of electricity is rising at night when it is hardly used, and prices usually fall. Over the past three years, I have noted that from Saturday to Sunday prices drop,' he stated.

'I have come to a deep conclusion that we have monopolists - both private and state - who are artificially inflating prices for sale outside the country,' Popenko said.

Comparative data from Europe

Comparing electricity prices in Ukraine and some European countries in May, the expert provided the following data:

• France - 18 euros per megawatt-hour
• Spain - 15 euros per megawatt-hour
• Sweden - 37 euros per megawatt-hour
• Germany - 65 euros per megawatt-hour
• Italy - 94 euros per megawatt-hour
• Ukraine - 98 euros per megawatt-hour.

Impact on the economy and forecasts

Popenko warned of serious consequences of inflated tariffs for the Ukrainian economy. The expert emphasized that the energy market affects all sectors and warned of a potential deficit and electricity outages in the summer due to increased consumption.

According to the expert's forecasts, electricity prices will continue to rise in the summer. He also pointed out the lack of response from antitrust authorities, indicating problems in regulating the energy market.

A representative of the Union of Consumers of Public Utilities confirmed that electricity tariffs in Ukraine are artificially inflated due to the actions of monopolists, which may negatively impact the country's economy and lead to serious energy supply problems in the summer. Moreover, the comparative analysis of electricity prices in Europe indicates that prices are the highest in Ukraine, which is also an undesirable phenomenon for consumers.