Tariffs, gas and heat during the war: what Ukrainians should expect in 2026 – NEURC explanation
1 January 13:02
ANALYSIS FROM 
Despite the war, shelling, and the strain on the energy infrastructure, the government is trying to maintain stability in the gas and heat supply sector. In response to a request from
Gas tariffs: the increase is not for the population
On December 19, 2025, the Commission decided to set tariffs for natural gas distribution services for gas distribution network operators, according to Bohdan Chub, Deputy Head of the NEURC Communications Department.
“In order to avoid a sharp increase in tariffs and provide gas distribution system operators with funds for the stable operation of gas distribution systems, a gradual increase in tariffs is envisaged from January 1 and April 1, 2026,” said Bohdan Chub.
At the same time, he emphasized that this decision does not apply to household consumers.
“According to the law, there is a moratorium on tariff increases for households during martial law and for six months after its termination. The tariffs for natural gas distribution services for household consumers remain unchanged,” the NEURC representative emphasized.
The Commission also reported that as of today, the NEURC has not made any decisions to change tariffs for the transportation and storage of natural gas for 2026.
Heat and hot water: who is responsible for tariffs
The NEURC emphasizes that setting tariffs for heat and hot water for end consumers is generally not within its authority.
“The regulator sets tariffs for heat energy only for natural monopolies and licensees of the NEURC – in particular, thermal power plants, thermal and nuclear power plants, cogeneration plants,” explained Bohdan Chub.
Instead, tariffs for most heat supply companies are determined by regional, city councils and local governments.
At the same time, the key factor in setting tariffs is the price of gas.
“The level of heat tariffs directly depends on the price of natural gas. But even in this case, the current legislation explicitly prohibits raising tariffs for the population during martial law,” the NEURC said.
Gas, boiler houses and frontline regions
The Commission emphasizes that decisions on tariffs for gas distribution system operators were made, in particular, taking into account the need to maintain stable operation of networks in the frontline and affected regions.
According to the regulator, the gradual adjustment of tariffs for operators allows them to
- keep gas distribution networks in working order;
- promptly eliminate the consequences of shelling;
- ensure stable operation of boiler houses and critical facilities.
The NEURC emphasizes that in 2026 there are no plans to increase tariffs for gas, heat and hot water for the population. The state maintains social protection of citizens while ensuring the financial sustainability of the energy infrastructure in times of war.
“The current legislation is aimed at protecting household consumers in the most difficult period and preventing a tariff shock,” the NEURC summarized.
Ukraine’s energy system continues to operate amid a full-scale war, constant attacks on infrastructure and a huge load on the grid. The NEURC’s answers show that the state is trying to maintain a balance between the financial stability of energy companies and social protection of citizens.
The key thing is that tariffs for households remain frozen, and any changes relate exclusively to operators and are not passed on to household consumers. The regulator’s step-by-step decisions are not aimed at making money, but at ensuring the system’s survival – the ability to repair networks, maintain pressure in pipes and provide heat even in places where explosions are heard every day.
