Ukrainian Steelmakers Challenge Government's 90% Power Import Mandate

Industry Association Appeals to Government

According to Главком: The Ukrainian Association of Metallurgical Enterprises (Ukrmetallurgprom) has formally requested the government to revoke Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 272. This resolution, adopted on January 28, 2026, mandates that industrial consumers increase their share of imported electricity from 60% to 90%, effective from March 7 to March 31, 2026. The association argues that the measure is unjustified, citing the absence of a severe power shortage in the national grid at the beginning of March. This policy comes at a time when Ukraine's energy sector is still recovering from wartime damage and seeking greater integration with European markets.

While no acute electricity deficit was observed in early March, the available capacity for importing power has decreased from 1,900 MW in February to 1,150 MW in March. This reduction in import capacity could create significant challenges for industrial users, who will be forced to purchase more electricity at substantially higher European market prices.

Export Potential Highlights Domestic Capacity

Furthermore, Ukraine has recently gained the capability to export up to 400 MW of electricity, which Ukrmetallurgprom suggests demonstrates the energy system's potential to meet domestic demand without increasing the mandatory import quota. The association contends that raising the import requirement contradicts the economic interests of industry during a period of significant energy market transition and has urged the government to reconsider the resolution.

The dispute over electricity imports is critical for Ukraine's industrial stability, as a higher mandatory import share will inevitably raise production costs. If a stable supply of affordable electricity is not secured, it could severely undermine the competitiveness of Ukrainian manufacturers. Consequently, the government's decision on this resolution may have profound long-term consequences for the national economy.