As of June 1, 2026, Ukraine's utility sector is experiencing a historic turning point. The country has entered a phase of significant increases in water supply tariffs, made possible by legislative changes and the decentralization process. The National Commission for State Regulation of Energy and Public Utilities (NKREKU) no longer controls water prices in major cities. These powers have been transferred to local authorities, allowing utility companies to set prices independently.
Price increase of 100%
Local councils ('hromadas') have already begun making decisions to revise the cost of water utility services. According to Oleksandr Popenko, head of the Union of Consumers of Public Utilities of Ukraine, the tariff increase has been substantial — in some regions, it reaches 80–100%.
One of the first examples of the new pricing is Borodyanka. According to the decision of the Borodyanka settlement council, starting July 1, 2026, the tariffs will be as follows:
- The tariff for centralized water supply will be 56.76 UAH per cubic meter (including VAT).
- The tariff for centralized wastewater disposal will be 82.58 UAH per cubic meter (including VAT).
- The total cost of services will reach 139.34 UAH per cubic meter.
For comparison: an average family of four consumes about 10 cubic meters of water per month. This means that in Borodyanka, the monthly water bill for one family could exceed 1,300 hryvnias.
The situation in Kyiv and other cities
While prices have already been approved in some cities, the review process continues in others. Water utilities across the country have submitted their calculations, which are currently being reviewed at city council sessions.
The situation in the capital remains uncertain. Kyiv has not yet officially announced a price increase. Currently, the effective tariff is approximately 30.38 UAH per cubic meter for the combined services of supply and wastewater disposal. However, media reports actively suggest that the new tariff could be around 89 UAH per cubic meter, which would also mean an almost threefold increase in cost.
Reasons and arguments from utility companies
Utility companies explain the sharp price hike as a matter of 'survival' for critical infrastructure. Previously, water supply systems were maintained through subsidies, which are now being reduced or eliminated. Among the key factors for the price increase, utility companies cite:
- The rising cost of electricity needed to pump water.
- The increased cost of reagents for purification.
- The need to align prices with European standards.
However, experts point out an imbalance. Oleksandr Popenko, Chairman of the Union of Consumers, noted that if utility companies appeal to European prices, consumers should receive European quality water. Unfortunately, in many cities, the quality of drinking water is still far from the stated standards.
Previously, Ukraine has recorded numerous cases of inflated utility tariffs, after which consumers were refunded the 'excess' money. Now, under decentralization, the control over fair pricing falls on the shoulders of local councils and citizens themselves.