Expert Expresses Doubt Over Fuel Price Regulation
Oleh Popenko, an expert in housing, utilities, and energy, has voiced skepticism about the state's ability to control fuel prices and the effectiveness of inspections at gas stations (fuel stations). In a March 9, 2026 appearance on his YouTube channel, Popenko Pro, he commented on recent government statements regarding fuel price controls and station inspections, identifying corruption as the root cause of these issues.
Popenko stressed that government promises to inspect fuel stations would yield no tangible results.
“You understand, those promises made a week ago—that we'll check what's happening at the stations and issue reprimands—none of that will happen,” he stated.According to the expert, the situation with fuel prices will not change and they will continue to rise. This analysis comes amid ongoing concerns about energy affordability and market transparency in the region.
Corruption and Financial Mismanagement
Popenko also highlighted that funds intended to solve these problems ultimately end up in the pockets of officials.
“Believe me, there will be no reprimands, because those reprimands will end up in the pockets of the Antimonopoly Committee, or elsewhere, like in the Verkhovna Rada with Hetmantsev and all the others. It will go there and die there,” he emphasized.Consequently, the expert predicts the situation will remain unchanged, as 'once they raised [prices], they will just keep rising further.'
Oleh Popenko's statements underscore persistent problems within Ukraine's system for monitoring fuel prices, issues driven not only by corrupt schemes but also by a lack of genuine oversight mechanisms. In an environment of rising energy costs, it is clear that stabilizing the situation requires not just promises, but concrete action from the state and anti-corruption bodies. The ineffectiveness of gas station inspections could lead to even greater price hikes, negatively impacting the country's broader economic situation.