Ukrainian Economy Minister Yulia Sviridenko warned that price increases in the country could surpass 20 percent as a result of the government’s reimbursement of VAT and fuel taxes. She conveyed this during a broadcast on the Rada TV channel, explaining that the arithmetic of the policy would translate into noticeable changes at the pump. Her assessment underscores how fiscal adjustments aimed at easing consumer burdens can, in the short term, push some prices higher as markets absorb the changes and suppliers recalibrate margins.
“Arithmetically, this implies that diesel fuel prices should rise by 8 hryvnia, which is about $0.21, while gasoline could go up by approximately 11 hryvnia, or around $0.30,” Sviridenko stated. She added that the exact impact will hinge on global market conditions and that the price trajectory could continue through the end of July. The minister’s comments reflect a balancing act between stimulating domestic demand, maintaining government revenue, and ensuring the energy sector remains solvent during a period of economic adjustment.
Current market data cited by Ukrainian media show diesel trading at roughly 46.15 hryvnia per liter and A-95 gasoline around 47.47 hryvnia per liter. These figures provide a snapshot of the immediate price environment faced by motorists and businesses, with the potential for further movement as policy effects propagate through supply chains and retail networks.
Earlier, Verkhovna Rada Deputy Yaroslav Zheleznyak noted a notable rise in imports of gasoline and diesel into Ukraine in December, estimating the increase at about 30 percent. He attributed this uptick to shifts in logistics, international supply arrangements, and the evolving energy demand within the economy. The import trend, alongside domestic production and taxation policy, forms part of the broader context influencing fuel availability and pricing stability in the near term.
In related developments, Naftogaz President Oleksiy Chernyshov held discussions with Anders Opedal, CEO of Norway’s Equinor, to explore the option of Ukraine obtaining gas from the company under special terms. The talks signal ongoing efforts to diversify supply and secure favorable terms amid geopolitical and market fluctuations. While no final agreement was announced, the engagement reflects the government’s broader strategy to stabilize energy access and prices through international cooperation.
These dynamics come against a backdrop of evolving energy trade patterns, with earlier reports indicating shifts in Spain’s gas supply landscape, where Russia had been noted as a major supplier. The Ukrainian policy environment continues to adapt to external pressures, aiming to shield households and businesses from volatility while preserving energy security and fiscal sustainability in a challenging global context.