Gas tariffs will rise starting January 1: Will ordinary Ukrainians face higher bills?

The current gas tariff for the population remains unchanged. The decision to approve new tariffs for gas transportation will not affect residential consumers. This was reported by the press service of the National Energy Regulation Commission.

The NERC confirms that gas tariffs for the population are not changing and this decision is not currently on the agenda.

"Attention! False information is being circulated in the media. No changes to gas tariffs for the population are anticipated," the regulator's message states.

Additionally, it is reported that the cost of gas distribution remains the same. Since 2022, a moratorium has been in place in Ukraine on increasing tariffs for the population for gas and heating. This also applies to the cost of hot water.

"The NERC urges the media to treat the dissemination of information about tariffs with care and to avoid speculation on this socially sensitive topic," the regulator's official statement indicates.

As a reminder, on December 30, 2024, the energy regulation commission announced new tariffs for natural gas transportation services for "Gas Transmission System Operator of Ukraine." This decision was made considering the cessation of Russian gas transit through Ukraine, which is planned to start on January 1, 2025.

Experts explained that prices are increasing from 124.16 to 501.97 hryvnias per 1000 cubic meters. In 2024, 85% of the GTS's revenue depended on gas transportation from Russia, while domestic customers paid only 15%.

The General Director of "Gas Transmission System Operator of Ukraine," Dmitry Lippa, assured that his company has taken all measures to reduce expenses: compressor stations are being closed and preserved, and the number of staff and costs are being optimized.

As a reminder, Slovakia promised to cease backup electricity supplies to Ukraine if Kyiv does not continue the transit of gas from the Russian Federation to Central Europe starting January 2025.

Moreover, the cessation of Russian gas transit through Ukraine will provide the Russian Armed Forces opportunities for shelling the Ukrainian gas transportation system. The ground infrastructure facilities for gas storage in Western Ukraine will be at risk.