The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is concerned about the plans of the Ukrainian government to introduce state regulation of gas prices. At the same time, the Cabinet of Ministers is trying to convey to the fund the necessity of such a decision.
This was announced by Finance Minister Sergey Marchenko interview "Radio NV" on Thursday, January 14.
He stated that Ukraine's obligations regarding the market-based formation of tariffs on the natural gas market are spelled out in a memorandum with the IMF.
"Our partners know that such a solution is possible. They have a corresponding reaction. They are worried that we are in some way revising the commitments we made earlier," Marchenko said.
He added that the main question today is whether the tariff reduction will be a permanent or temporary solution.
"This is actively being done by Acting Minister of Energy (Yuriy Vytrenko, — Red.). Yesterday, by the way, he had a call with the IMF. I think that appropriate consultations will also be held today," Marchenko said.
The minister also said that the Cabinet of Ministers is trying to explain to the IMF that high gas tariffs may have negative consequences for the economy of Ukraine as a whole and the government must make a decision in "fire order".
As a reminder, yesterday, January 13, the Cabinet of Ministers introduced state regulation of gas prices. For household consumers, it will be sold at UAH 6,99 per cubic meter during the heating season. Such a decision was taken by the authorities after mass rallies — Ukrainians demanded lower tariffs for gas and electricity.
