The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has presented updated terms of cooperation with Ukraine, which specify concrete deadlines for the start of reforms in the utilities sector. According to the document reviewed by the RBC-Ukraine editorial team, the Fund proposes starting a gradual increase in gas and electricity tariffs for the population as early as 2027.

Conditions for price liberalization

The main goal of the proposed changes is to create a financial base for the restoration of the country's energy infrastructure. The IMF insists that market-based pricing will be a key factor in attracting the private investment necessary for the post-war restoration of the sector.

However, Fund experts emphasize that the transition to market prices must be accompanied by a reliable social protection system. Before the start of tariff increases, Ukraine is obliged to create an effective mechanism for targeted support for socially vulnerable households.

New deadlines for fulfilling obligations

In the updated memorandum of cooperation, the deadlines for fulfilling structural conditions have been revised. If the previous version of the document planned to prepare a tariff increase plan by July of this year, this deadline has now been moved to the end of October.

In addition, the Ukrainian authorities have committed to conducting a comprehensive assessment of existing consumer support mechanisms by the end of February 2027. This is necessary to determine the most effective ways to protect citizens in the event of rising service costs.

Economic consequences and current status

The implementation of the proposed plan should solve several critical tasks:

  • Financing the restoration of energy infrastructure;
  • Reducing the debt of enterprises in the energy sector.

It is important to note that at present, a moratorium on increasing tariffs for natural gas, hot water, and heating for the population is in effect in Ukraine. This ban was introduced by law during the martial law period and must remain in effect until its end, as well as for another six months after its cancellation. At the same time, the moratorium does not apply to tariffs for electricity, cold water, and a number of other utility services.