From November 2023 to October 2024, utility tariffs in Ukraine increased by a total of 18.7%, which was a tangible blow to citizens' pockets. At the same time, not all services became more expensive - some remained at the previous level.
According to the State Statistics Service, electricity prices rose by 63.6%, which was the main factor in the overall increase in tariffs. Also, prices increased:
- apartment building management services – by 11.4%;
- garbage collection – by 6.8%;
- housing maintenance and repair – by 3.9%.
However, not all utilities have increased. The cost of water supply, sewage, natural gas, hot water, and heating has remained stable.
At the same time, the director of the Energy Research Center, Oleksandr Kharchenko, noted that in the near future Ukrainians will face a transition to market tariffs for electricity. “We have a choice: either there will be no electricity, or there will be market prices,” the expert explained, confirming that market tariffs will probably be introduced within 1-1.5 years.
Such a decision will be necessary, since at current tariffs the country will not be able to ensure a stable energy supply. However, for some consumers this may mean a decrease in the cost of electricity. Kharchenko emphasized that for those who will not be able to cope with the price increase, targeted assistance should be introduced, which will reduce the burden on the budget.
“It will be cheaper to compensate for the difference for veterans and pensioners than to maintain low tariffs,” the expert summarized.
