On October 29, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal took part online in a meeting of the Presidium of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities under the President of Ukraine during a working trip to Volyn region. The event took place in Odesa under the chairmanship of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The meeting was also attended by the Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak, the Deputy Head of the Office of the President Kyrylo Tymoshenko, representatives of the Government and local self-government.

During his speech, the Prime Minister stressed that the country is ready for the heating season and has enough gas in storage facilities to smoothly pass this winter. In addition, the PM dwelled on that local leaders have no reason to raise tariffs for heating and hot water until the end of the heating season.

"We have more than 18.5 billion cubic meters of gas in gas storage facilities. At the initiative of the President and the National Security and Defense Council, the government decided to ban the disconnection of budget institutions and residential buildings from heating and gas. Tariffs will not raise, and the subsidy program has been increased by UAH 12 billion," Denys Shmyhal accentuated.

The Prime Minister emphasized that a large-scale energy modernization program will begin in Ukraine next year.

"Ukraine can save up to $ 1.5 billion a year by implementing an energy efficiency program across the country. Therefore, the launch of such a program is a matter of economic development, and better preparation for the heating season, and reducing the utility bills," Denys Shmyhal stated.

In addition, the Head of Government spoke about the situation regarding the counteraction to the coronavirus pandemic and the intensification of the vaccination campaign. According to the Prime Minister, a record number of vaccinations were made this week and the pace should be further increased.

“During trips to the regions, we discuss with c local leaders how to speed up the vaccination process so that more than 300,000 vaccinations can be given in Ukraine every day. Vaccination is the only way to stop the pandemic, so the joint work of local and central authorities on this issue is an important key to success," Denys Shmyhal underscored.