The NBU warns of a possible increase in electricity tariffs in 2026

The National Bank does not rule out the possibility that electricity tariffs in Ukraine may increase next year due to the significant needs for the restoration of energy infrastructure.

This is reported in the NBU Inflation Report.

The NBU believes that with the stabilization of the economic situation in the country, tariffs for certain communal services will gradually approach market-justified levels.

Additionally, according to experts, a partial increase in electricity prices for households is forecasted for 2026, which is related to the need to restore damaged energy infrastructure.

Experts note that the intensification of attacks on energy facilities and extraction capacities by Russia at the end of the third quarter has significantly increased the risks of an electricity shortage. As a result, Ukraine had to increase imports of electricity and gas to successfully navigate the heating season.

Currently, the NBU expects that in the fourth quarter of 2025 and the beginning of 2026, the economy will operate under conditions of an electricity deficit of 4-6%.

"‎In 2026, the estimate of the electricity deficit has been raised to 3% on average for the year. This will have a negative impact on economic activity"‎, – the NBU report states.