Starting in June, Ukrainians Will Receive a Third Gas Bill

New Gas Bill for Ukrainian Households

According to ХВИЛЯ: Beginning in June, residents of apartment buildings in Ukraine will receive a third gas-related invoice, covering the maintenance of in-building gas networks. This fee was previously postponed due to the war. Inspections of gas networks resumed after the heating season ended in May. The amount charged depends on the condition of the network and the number of apartments in the building.

This new bill will cover the servicing of internal gas infrastructure-such as pipes, valves, and connections. Ukrainians originally received a single gas bill, which was later split into separate charges for gas supply and delivery. Starting this fall, the delivery fee is expected to be merged back into the gas bill, presented as two distinct line items.

Gas Network Inspections

Inspections of in-building gas networks, which apply only to multi-story buildings, are not conducted during the heating season. A single inspection of a building can uncover up to ten gas leaks. The maintenance fee had been suspended since the start of the war, but from June onward, residents of apartment buildings will be required to pay it. Importantly, the fee does not cover:

• routine or major repairs,
• replacement of in-apartment equipment,
• chimney cleaning,
• emergency response.

Meters are inspected and replaced separately and free of charge.

The frequency of inspections depends on the building's age: structures older than 25 years are inspected every three years, while newer ones are inspected every five years. If a household received an invoice last year, they will not receive one this year. In a large building with few connections, the fee may be around 200 hryvnias per apartment, while in an older, smaller building with many valves, the cost could range from 180 hryvnias to 1,000–1,500 hryvnias. Residents must receive an inspection report before making payment.

Inspections will continue throughout the summer until the next heating season begins. Experts emphasize that any gas-related work should only be entrusted to qualified professionals. As the author of the 'Narodna Dumka' channel notes:

'Once again, the burden falls on ordinary people.'

The program host also pointed out: 'If even one person in the building fails to pay, gas could be shut off for everyone.'

Residents should remember that if they are asked to purchase a new meter, they can remind the provider that the meter is on their balance sheet and replacement must be covered by the gas company.

The introduction of this new maintenance fee for in-building gas networks is a significant step toward ensuring consumer safety and the proper functioning of gas systems in apartment buildings. It also highlights the need to maintain infrastructure that may deteriorate over time. Since this fee adds a financial burden on residents, it is crucial for them to be informed about their rights and responsibilities regarding gas equipment. Given the current situation in the country, monitoring the condition of gas networks has become especially important.