Ukrainians Warned of 25% Surge in Electricity and Gas Prices by 2026.

Price Freeze on Utilities in Ukraine

According to Novyny.live: Ukraine currently maintains a moratorium that prevents gas, heating, and electricity rates from rising for households. In light of this, officials are considering a gradual increase to bring prices in line with market levels. Forecasts suggest that electricity and gas costs could jump by 25% in 2026. This prospect has sparked debate among experts, who highlight persistent issues caused by the freeze, such as mounting debts and underfunding in the energy sector. For context, the moratorium was introduced during wartime to shield citizens from financial shock, but critics argue it now hampers industry sustainability.

As of May 2026, a multi-person household pays between 40 and 50 hryvnias for gas. However, specialists note that this price fails to cover extraction expenses.

Volodymyr Omelchenko emphasized: 'The moratorium should have been lifted long ago. It creates massive debts and underfunding, and citizens themselves suffer because less gas is extracted.'

Gas and Electricity Pricing

Regarding gas tariffs, annual base prices per cubic meter vary as follows:

• LLC 'GC 'NAFTOGAZ OF UKRAINE' and LLC 'TERNOPILOBLGAZ ZBUT' — 7.96 hryvnias;
• LLC 'PRYKARPAT ENERGO TRADE' — 7.98 hryvnias;
• LLC 'HALNAFTOGAZ' PE 'OKKO CONTRACT' — 7.99 hryvnias;
• LLC 'LVIVENERGOZBUT' — 8.20 hryvnias;
• LLC 'KYIV ENERGY SERVICES' (YASNO) and LLC 'DNIPRO ENERGY SERVICES' (YASNO) — 8.46 hryvnias;
• LLC 'RETAIL SERVICE' TM 'SvitloGaz' — 9.99 hryvnias per cubic meter.

The fixed electricity rate for households remains at 4.32 hryvnias per kWh. Yet, the regulator plans to raise the transmission tariff for 'Ukrenergo' by 21.6% starting July 1, 2026.

Volodymyr Omelchenko also noted that 'in Ukraine, prices lag behind Europe by at least 4 times,' underscoring the need for tariff policy changes.

Consequently, the issue of raising gas, heating, and electricity rates for households remains pressing, and potential adjustments could significantly impact the financial situation of Ukrainian families. Given expert projections and existing debts in the energy sector, lifting the moratorium may be a crucial step toward market stabilization and improving Ukraine's fiscal outlook.