After the end of the war, Ukraine should increase the tariffs for housing and communal services-this requirement is contained in the new Memorandum of the International Monetary Fund. According to the IMF, the current electricity and gas prices for the population remain much lower than the market level and do not cover the costs of their production and delivery.
The document emphasizes: even after increases in 2023-2024, electricity prices for household consumers are only about half of tariffs for small business in Kiev. And gas for the population covers only 50% of the costs calculated on the basis of the market value of fuel.
The Fund believes that Ukraine should prepare a clear plan for the gradual approximation of tariffs to the level of full cost reimbursement to ensure the stability of the power system and reduce the dependence on budget subsidies. At the same time, the IMF insists that this process should take into account the social aspects - in particular, it is necessary to improve the subsidy system.
The Foundation calls on the Ukrainian authorities to review the principles of providing housing subsidies in order to increase their efficiency and "accuracy". In particular, it is about the introduction of clear criteria for determining vulnerable households that really need state aid.
This means that after the active phase of war, Ukrainians are waiting for a painful but inevitable process of reforming tariff policy. The authorities should find a balance between the financial stability of the industry and social justice.
