Contrary to the current Memorandum and the government's promises, Naftogaz is threatening to disconnect the supply of “blue fuel” to subscribers for a debt of 40−50 UAH, and for the slightest delay in payment.
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Suppliers of other services are no less determined. Therefore, it is quite likely that Ukrainians may face a new blow to their wallets — in particular, a significant increase in tariffs for water supply and wastewater. This was stated by Dmytro Novytsky, Deputy General Director for Strategic Policy of Kyivvodokanal, in a comment to OBOZ.UA.
According to him, water utilities are operating at a loss. Tariffs, if we take average figures, cover about 60−70% of their costs – because for household consumers they have not increased since 2021. Accordingly, the underfunding of water utilities today is 30−40%. Such a significant underfunding, according to him, leads to a number of problems. In particular, the following:
Lack of funds for repairs and equipment upgrades.
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Increasing accident rate.
No less important is the personnel issue. According to Novytsky, at some enterprises, repair crews are understaffed by 50−60%. And those specialists who do work receive little — an average of 17 thousand UAH. This is a little more than two minimum wages.
“There are not enough people to do the work. And not only line workers are being laid off, but also lawyers, economists, and accountants. Because it is difficult to work on such a salary,” said Novytsky.
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Another problem is the rising cost of reagents. These are chemicals that are added to water to purify, disinfect, and correct its composition.
According to Novytsky, the current average tariff is about 30 UAH per cubic meter of water. However, if the price increases, it could increase 5-6 times — up to 150 UAH per cubic meter, and in some cities even up to 200 UAH.
For a family that uses 5 cubic meters of water per month, the bill is currently approximately UAH 150. After the tariff increase, it can reach UAH 600−750, and in regions with maximum tariffs, as much as UAH 850−1000.
Dmytro Novitsky stressed that such growth will be a serious test for many families, especially those with low incomes. At the same time, the state must support vulnerable categories of the population by expanding the subsidy program.
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According to the expert, the tariff increase has not only a fiscal purpose. It will allow water utilities to carry out emergency and preventive repairs in a timely manner, improve the quality of services, and gradually modernize worn-out infrastructure that has long been in need of updating.
Let us remind you that Ukrainians who have traveled abroad or to other cities can make recalculations for water if they prove that no one lived in their apartment.
