Energy shortages and “cold” breakdowns: how Kiev supermarkets are fighting for survival amid rumors of closure
13 January 15:59
After the latest shelling in Kyiv, the situation with electricity supply has sharply deteriorated. The city is experiencing a serious electricity shortage, which affects not only the residential sector but also businesses. Against this backdrop, some supermarkets have been forced to temporarily close or operate on a limited basis.
Mayor Vitali Klitschko spoke about the complexity of the situation, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
Klitschko stressed that energy companies are working under extreme conditions, but restoring a stable power supply will take time.
Why stores are closing
As explained by retail chains, prolonged and frequent power outages, as well as low temperatures, are causing equipment malfunctions. In such cases, individual supermarkets may temporarily suspend operations in order to restore technical systems and ensure safety.
The NOVUS chain reported that not all stores are currently able to operate as usual and urged shoppers to check the current schedule.
Silpo also confirmed that due to blackouts and cold weather, some supermarkets are sometimes forced to close, although local teams are trying to resume operations as quickly as possible.
What the city authorities say
At the same time, Vitali Klitschko emphasized that this is not a mass closure of retail chains. According to him, information about the complete shutdown of large supermarkets is not true, and despite the difficult conditions, businesses continue to provide the city with essential goods.
City authorities and retail chains are urging Kyiv residents to check the operating status of specific stores through official channels and to prepare for temporary restrictions in infrastructure operations.
What about heat supply in the city
In addition to power outages, the situation with heat supply remains tense in the capital, with about 500 high-rise buildings without heating. Repair crews and energy workers are working around the clock.
