Corruption in tariffs: how Ukrainians pay 430 million in bribes every month

Corruption in tariffs: how Ukrainians pay 430 million in bribes every month

Expert Oleg Popenko, head of the Consumers' Union of Utility Services, stated that there are corrupt expenditures in utility tariffs in Ukraine, particularly concerning the company 'Energoatom'. According to him, these expenditures lead to additional financial burdens on consumers. As a result, Ukrainians spend about 430 million hryvnias a month on a corruption tax, which is a significant burden on their budgets.

The arithmetic of the 'kickback' in tariffs

The arithmetic of the 'kickback' in tariffs looks as follows:

• Consumption of electricity at the level of 170 kWh leads to a 20 hryvnia corruption fee in bills.
• The average amount of corrupt expenditures for each apartment is up to 100 hryvnias per month.
• The cost of electricity generation by 'Energoatom' is approximately 1.15 UAH without VAT, while the market price of electricity in November reached 6.80 UAH.

This indicates significant superprofits, as 'Energoatom's' profit is 600%, and the company has accumulated 60 billion hryvnias in its accounts.

20 hryvnias from your monthly bill is a personal contribution to the 'corruption barrier' built only in 'Energoatom'.

Oleg Popenko

He also emphasized that if gas expenses, its distribution, heat supply, and building maintenance are added to electricity, the number changes dramatically. The expert pointed out the simplicity of the scheme: 'increase tariffs for the population to accumulate billions in the state company's accounts.'

The situation with corrupt expenditures in utility tariffs in Ukraine requires close attention from the state and society. There is a need to take measures to reform the tariff formation system to ensure transparency and fairness in the distribution of financial resources. Only through systemic changes can the financial burden on Ukrainians be reduced and the quality of utility services improved.