Shmyhal initiates state regulation of gas prices for population

He said this at a government meeting on Wednesday, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"It is proposed to introduce in Ukraine for all household consumers the state regulation of gas prices for the period before the end of lockdown restrictions or the current heating season. The proposed price is UAH 6.99 per cubic meter. Today it is the lowest price on the Ukrainian exchange," Shmyhal said.

According to him, since some companies sell gas at a price of more than UAH 10, Ukrainians will receive 30% savings.

"Today, the situation with the pandemic makes it difficult for Ukrainians to earn extra income and compensate for the significant increase in gas prices. In this regard, the government and the president held a series of meetings on the situation with utility prices in recent days. A number of respective decisions have been made today at a meeting held at the President's Office," Shmyhal said.

He recalled that the gas market for the population had been operating in Ukraine since August 1.

"We have launched the gas market, and this process is irreversible. More than half a million Ukrainians have already changed their gas supplier. Thousands of our citizens enjoy the benefits of the gas market, concluding an annual gas supply contract in September at a price of UAH 4.70 per cubic meter. Now they save up to 50% compared to previous years," Shmyhal said.

He stressed that gas suppliers, who were monopolists, "are doing everything to leave people in 'gas slavery'."

op