Billion Debts for Utilities: Expert Explained How Tariff Increases Hit Ukrainians.

95% of Ukrainians Cannot Pay for Utilities

Population's debt for utilities exceeds 200 billion hryvnias, and over 95% of Ukrainians cannot fully pay them.

This information was provided by Oleh Popenko, deputy head of the NGO "Union of Utility Consumers".

The expert noted that official data indicate more than 80% of the population lives below the poverty line.

"At the same Time, 95% of citizens cannot fully pay for utilities, settle debts, and other mandatory payments," said Popenko.

The expert also noted that the situation is complicated by the fact that despite a moratorium on utility tariff increases, their actual cost rose by 18% in 2024.

"There is a moratorium on utility service increases, which was approved by the Verkhovna Rada and signed by the president. But it did not prevent the costs of utilities from rising by 18% in 2024," the expert emphasized.

Popenko also noted that the inability of the population to pay for utilities is systemic and negatively affects the preparation for the heating season. This creates a vicious circle: utility sector enterprises do not receive necessary funding, which worsens the quality of services provided.