The gas market for the population has been launched in Ukraine since August this year, and now citizens are free to choose the gas supplier with the most favorable conditions. State-owned companies, in particular Naftogaz of Ukraine, can help the population save on gas bills. This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a working trip to the Ivano-Frankivsk region.
"State-owned companies are needed to work in the interests of society, to create profitable opportunities for ordinary people. "Naftogaz must clearly show Ukrainians how the company will provide cheaper gas," the President said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that he had already discussed the issue of prices for the population with CEO of NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine Andriy Kobolyev.
"Despite the fact that the country has switched to the gas market and the market dictates prices, Naftogaz still has the cheapest prices compared to all suppliers," the President said.
Today, more than 50 companies supply gas to households in Ukraine. Depending on the supplier and the region, gas prices differ significantly. For example, the price of gas for January 2021 from Naftogaz of Ukraine is UAH 7.22 per cubic meter with VAT, while the price of regional gas suppliers averages UAH 9.9 per cubic meter with VAT.
Private suppliers in different regions of Ukraine sometimes set the price of gas for the population at 30-40% higher than that of Naftogaz of Ukraine.
"We have even found one company that offers a 50% higher price than that of Naftogaz," the Head of State said.
“Naftogaz will offer the lowest prices on the market. And will fight for price reduction, despite the market. People need help due to COVID-19,” the President added.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also called on local authorities to explain to people how to save on gas bills, inter alia, by choosing a state supplier, as well as using the services of the state Oschadbank.