The Market is Absent: Popenko Criticizes Plans for Sharp Increase in Gas and Electricity Tariffs

According to hvylya.net: Oleg Popenko, a specialist in the utility sector, expressed his criticism regarding the transition to market tariffs for energy resources for the population in Ukraine. He emphasized that there is no real market in the country, and the press release from the International Monetary Fund regarding the increase in utility tariffs raised doubts for him.

Particularly, Popenko noted the super monopoly of NJSC 'Naftogaz of Ukraine' in the gas sector and control over electricity by 'Energoatom' and regional energy companies. He pointed out that these conditions do not meet international standards and make it impossible to form a real market in the country's energy sector.

In his criticism, Popenko highlighted the need to consider the market practices of other countries that have a more liberalized pricing system. According to him, until monopolies are eliminated and expenses are optimized, talking about the existence of a market in Ukrainian energy is unjustified.