How the 'National Cashback' Program Works
The Ukrainian government is extending its 'National Cashback' initiative to include fuel purchases at gas stations until May 1. This program offers citizens a rebate of 15% on diesel, 10% on gasoline, and 5% on autogas. The cashback funds received can then be spent on Ukrainian goods and services, providing a direct stimulus to the domestic economy. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to support household budgets and local businesses during a challenging economic period.
As of March 13, 2026, the average price for A-95 gasoline is 69.76 UAH per liter, while diesel averages 75.92 UAH per liter. To date, 9.4 million citizens have already utilized the 'National Cashback' program. Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture Taras Vysotskyi noted that fuel costs constitute 10-15% of the production cost for agricultural goods. Should fuel prices rise, the cost of products from the agricultural sector could increase by 1-2%.
Economic Impact of the Initiative
Economy Minister Oleksii Sobolev emphasized that the cashback is one of the most effective measures because the program consists of two components.
“First, we will return 10-15%, depending on the type of fuel, to cashback cards. Then, they will use this money for Ukrainian goods,” the minister stated.
The Cabinet of Ministers does not plan to reduce VAT or excise taxes on fuel, which will also influence price formation. Citizens can spend their earned cashback on a wide variety of Ukrainian goods and services, including:
- Utility and postal services
- Charitable donations
- Support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine
- Food products
- Medicines, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices
- Books and other printed materials of Ukrainian origin
This allows participants not only to save on fuel but also to support domestic producers.
The 'National Cashback' program aims to achieve a dual purpose: alleviating the financial burden on citizens by returning a portion of their fuel expenses and bolstering local production within Ukraine. Stimulating the internal market is a crucial step given the economic challenges the country faces. Considering that fuel costs significantly impact the price of agricultural output, this program also has the potential to help curb further increases in the cost of essential food items.