Rising parcel fees and tariffs: pessimistic forecast for IMF requirements

Ukraine is expected to see a new round of financial burdens on its population under a new agreement with the International Monetary Fund. Housing and utilities and energy expert Oleg Popenko revealed the hidden details of the $8.1 billion lending program in a YouTube video.

According to the expert, the main goal of the memorandum is to gradually increase the financial burden on citizens. To secure further loan tranches, the government plans to make changes to tax policy that focus on increasing fiscal pressure, including introducing taxes on certain services, such as a fee for international parcels worth up to €150 and VAT for individual entrepreneurs. The lifting of the moratorium on utility tariff increases is also being considered.

During the discussion, Oleg Popenko emphasized the nuances of the legal formalization of the agreement. Although under current regulations, tariffs are to remain stable until the end of martial law, the memorandum contains provisions that could allow for immediate price adjustments. According to the expert, this is possible by adopting a separate bill that will lift the moratorium on raising tariffs for heating, hot water and gas.

As for electricity prices, Popenko predicts their increase by the summer. In accordance with its obligations to the IMF, the government is obliged to develop a joint action plan in the energy sector by June. The expert emphasized that the increase in the cost of electricity looks inevitable: “It is clear that the cost of electricity will increase this summer.”

However, possible political factors may delay the adoption of some difficult decisions regarding tariffs until the end of the election campaigns. This may only be a temporary delay in the inevitable increase in financial burdens for people.

Thus, Ukrainians should prepare for changes that will affect not only the economic situation in the country, but also the daily expenses of families.

It was previously reported that the new tariffs for utility services may lead to serious financial difficulties for many Ukrainians, turning everyday life into a real nightmare. The issue was also raised that Ukrainians could become tenants in their own apartments if new scenarios were implemented.