Shmyhal urges local authorities to use tools to hold down heating prices

Local authorities should take advantage of the offer of the National Joint Stock Company Naftogaz of Ukraine and ensure the conclusion of contracts by communal heating providers for the purchase of gas at a fixed annual price.

Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal said this at a government meeting on August 4, Ukrinform reports with reference to the Government portal.

"Local leaders are now actually determining what sums people get for hot water and heating in their utility bills. Therefore, I urge the utility companies under the supervision of local authorities to switch to a three-year contract with NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine, which provides for a price of UAH 7.42 per cubic meter (including VAT). This price will be valid all year round, regardless of fluctuations in the gas markets," the PM emphasized.

Shmyhal stressed that gas prices in Europe and the world are at record highs in 10 years.

"Proper management of district heating companies by local leaders is a matter not only of energy security but also of social support for citizens who will receive lower utility bills," he summed up.

As reported, NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine prepared a three-year contract for gas supplies to heating providers. The agreement stipulates that from June 2021, within 13 months, the long-term market price will amount to UAH 7.42 per cubic meter (including VAT, but excluding the tariff of the gas transmission system operator). In subsequent periods, in particular from July 1, 2022 and from July 1, 2023, price proposals for heating companies will be indexed.

According to the decree of the Cabinet of Ministers of April 30, 2021, the period of validity of price regulation for heating companies ended on May 20, 2021.

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