The regulator proposes to increase gas and water tariffs for businesses from 2026: who will be affected by the changes
2 December 19:57
The National Energy and Utilities Regulatory Commission (NEURC) has launched a public discussion of a large-scale revision of tariffs for gas distribution and water supply for non-household consumers. The decision was made on December 2, and it covers more than 30 gas distribution network operators and 37 water utilities across the country, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
Gas: a phased increase from January and April 2026
The regulator proposes a two-stage adjustment of tariffs for business. In particular, from January 1, 2026, gas distribution may rise from UAH 0.37 per cubic meter in Kyiv to UAH 2.85 in the Lubnygaz service area. In April, tariffs will increase for the second time – for Kyivgaz to UAH 0.46 and for Lubnygaz to UAH 3.47 per cubic meter.
The NEURC emphasizes that these changes do not apply to households: tariffs for households remain at pre-war levels, in line with the current restrictions extended by the government until 2026.
Water: from 11 hryvnias in Lviv to more than 70 in Pavlohrad
The biggest changes are proposed for water utilities.
From January 1, 2026, wholesale water tariffs may increase to:
- 11-15 UAH per cubic meter in large cities
- up to UAH 18.73 in Kharkiv
- upto UAH 70 in Pavlohrad – the highest rate among all operators.
Wastewater tariffs are also going up: the maximum level is proposed for Nikopol – 52.32 UAH per cubic meter.
As with gas, water tariffs for households remain frozen at the level of February 2022.
Why tariffs are being revised now
The NEURC explains that the changes apply only to the non-household sector – enterprises, organizations and institutions. The regulator points to the need to cover operating costs and ensure the smooth operation of the networks in times of war.
At the same time, the government has extended the special obligations in the gas market, keeping fixed prices for households and budgetary institutions until March 31, 2026.
The draft decisions are open for discussion
After that, the regulator will approve the final tariffs. The changes may affect the cost of services and goods, given the significant increase in costs for businesses.
The proposed increase reflects the broader process of adapting the energy and utilities sectors to wartime conditions, while maintaining social protection for the population.
