In Ukraine, water tariffs may rise sharply from July 1: in some cities by more than 200%

In Ukraine, water tariffs may rise sharply from July 1: in some cities by more than 200%

In Ukraine, from July 1, water tariffs will be raised in a number of settlements. At the same time, in some cities the increase will exceed 200%.

Most utilities plan to raise tariffs from July 1. These plans have already been officially announced and the calculations published. According to the procedure, public hearings are being held, so active consumers can voice their proposals and objections.

It is worth noting that tariffs have not yet been raised at some utilities. So far, this refers only to the price announced at the stage of public hearings. In some cities this figure may still change.

Why water will become more expensive

In Ukraine, all components of the water tariff are becoming more expensive. In particular, electricity, fuel, employee wages, repair work, etc. For example, Vinnytsiaoblvodokanal stated on its website that the cost of electricity for the enterprise has increased more than fivefold, and tariffs for its transmission and distribution have tripled.

At the same time, due to a radical change in logistics routes and fluctuations in exchange rates, the cost of chemicals has risen by up to 200%. Prices for pipes, shut-off valves, as well as fuel and lubricants for emergency crews have increased 2–4 times.

Artificially holding down the tariff has led to a significant increase in electricity debt. For example, Kharkivvodokanal, where the tariff is not planned to be changed, is one of the largest debtors for electricity.

As of last year, water utilities’ debts for electricity exceeded UAH 10 billion. At the same time, 85% of all debt was accounted for by only two enterprises — KP Kharkivvodokanal and KP Company Voda Donbasu.