Ukrainians face a new surge in electricity tariffs: expert Popenko shocked by the price per kilowatt.

According to Oleg Popenko, head of the Union of Consumers of Public Utilities of Ukraine, experts predict a possible increase in electricity tariffs to 9 hryvnias per kilowatt-hour, despite officials' assurances that there will be no price hikes in 2025.

“Despite the assurances of our officials that 100% of the Time this year electricity tariffs will not rise, we understand that these assurances are worth less than a broken penny.”

In recent years, increases in electricity tariffs have been observed in 2020 and 2024 after the government's promises to keep them at unchanged levels.

Market prices as a basis for increases

Oleg Popenko points to pressure from the International Monetary Fund and members of parliament regarding the necessity of establishing market prices for electricity, which, according to the expert, could reach 9 hryvnias very soon.

“In fact, it already stands at about 9 UAH. Therefore, the IMF's demands and our officials' statements about market prices mean that theoretically, we may soon see... an increase in the cost of electricity.”

No economic grounds for increases

In Popenko's opinion, the current price of electricity fully covers all expenses, and there are no grounds for raising tariffs.

“Overall, this amount is covered by the current payments of the population. Therefore, there should be no increase.”

The political factor

The expert claims that elections may be the only restraining factor for the government regarding the increase in electricity tariffs due to the preservation of popularity.

“The only marker for most Ukrainians may be that tariffs will not be increased if the conversation about elections gets serious...”

Currently, the government does not make official statements regarding the increase in electricity tariffs, but a decision has already been made to maintain current tariffs for gas, heating, and hot water until 2026.