Our sources in the President's Office report that the International Monetary Fund is putting forward strict requirements for the formation of Ukraine's tariff policy for the coming years. In particular, according to interlocutors, the IMF insists on increasing tariffs for the population for energy and housing and communal services by at least 50% in 2026.
According to the fund's plan, households should become one of the key sources of covering the state budget deficit. This involves changing the financial model: part of the burden, which is currently covered by external creditors, is transferred to Ukrainian consumers.
Interlocutors in the OP note that the authorities are already looking for a way to adapt this requirement so that the funds received from the tariff increase can be directed to the restoration and repair of critical infrastructure. This primarily concerns energy facilities, heat supply, water supply and sewage networks, which suffered significant damage during Russian attacks.
According to sources, Bankova is considering a model in which tariff increases will be legally justified by "economic necessity," and in fact will become a tool for accumulating resources for infrastructure programs.
The IMF has traditionally insisted on market pricing and cuts in budget subsidies. However, the political context makes this issue particularly sensitive: raising tariffs for the population during a war could cause significant discontent and social tension.
According to our information, the authorities are trying to find a compromise between the lender's requirements and the capabilities of households. The possibility of gradually increasing or expanding subsidy programs is being discussed to reduce the impact on low-income segments of the population.
According to sources, final agreements have not yet been finalized, but the issue of tariffs is one of the key issues in negotiations with the IMF. It is being promoted as a basic condition for the next tranches of support.
If the model proposed by the fund is implemented, Ukrainian families will have to face a significant increase in the cost of energy and utilities as early as 2026 - with corresponding socio-economic consequences.
