The third gas bill: Ukrainians warned about additional utility charges.

Additional expenses for gas networks: quality and safety under question

Additional costs for the maintenance of internal gas networks for Ukrainians are estimated to be between 100 and 300 hryvnias per year, reports 'Khvylia'. The head of the Union of Consumers of Utility Services of Ukraine, Oleg Popenko, expressed doubts about the effectiveness of these payments and the quality of the work performed in an exclusive interview.

Popenko noted that starting from January 1, 2024, Ukrainians began receiving a third gas bill – for the maintenance of gas networks in apartment buildings. According to the expert, the increase in financial burden has not led to an improvement in gas supply quality, and the safety of gas networks remains a pressing issue.

'Previously, this service was included in a single payment to the management company. That is, we paid the management company a single bill, which included everything – gas, water, and everything else,' – explained the expert.

The head of the Consumers Union also emphasized that additional costs for maintaining gas networks do not include capital repairs, only technical work. He noted that the safety of gas supply leaves much to be desired, especially under conditions of staff shortages and wartime.

In his conclusion, the expert compared the situation with utility payments in Ukraine and Europe. Popenko noted that in Europe, payments are made separately for gas and transportation, but these payments are combined into one bill for the consumer, simplifying the payment process.

According to the expert, the maintenance of gas networks requires more attention and funding to ensure quality and safe gas supply for Ukrainians.