Prices for heating are influenced not only by gas prices, but by the cost of production, clear consumption accounting and energy saving measures. This was stated by Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman during a teleconference dedicated to price formation for heating and hot water services for the population.

The Head of Government stressed that there is a room for improvement for regions. "The price for gas for heating providers is the same. But when we look at the tariffs for heating, we notice a big difference in the cost of heating between cities. The price for heating and hot water depends on the technology of production, accounting and energy saving measures", the Prime Minister emphasized.

The Prime Minister cited some examples of how the cost of one Gcal of heat varies in different cities. According to him, in Ivano-Frankivsk 1 Gcal of heat costs UAH 1,312, in Zhytomyr – UAH 1,389, Mariupol – UAH 1,303, Vinnytsia - UAH 1,375, in Kyiv – UAH 1,317. At the same time, in Lutsk, the price is already UAH 1,847, in Kropyvnitsky - UAH 1,852 and in Chernihiv - UAH 1,737.

"Why are we talking about the price for gas here? For Lutsk and Ivano-Frankivsk alike the price of gas is the same!" stressed Volodymyr Groysman. "But given the same tariff, we can see a difference of 30-40% on the cost of heating services. I understand that the difference may take place. But the reason is the technology of production is different. Hence, the question arises: what the local leaders have done as the majority of district heating providers belong to the municipalities?"

The Prime Minister also presented other figures. So, last year the sum worth UAH 12.5 billion was allocated for projects on modernization of utility networks and preparation for the heating season of 2018-2019. However, only the sum worth UAH 3 billion was spent. "Presently we have 20 thousand kilometers of networks. What part of the network has been repaired, do you know? Only 240 kilometers of networks. Can you feel the difference? Out of the allotted UAH 12.5 billion, only UAH 3 billion was sent for these purposes", the Head of Government said. "The length of the emergency networks in the country amounts 7 thousand kilometers. And they are owned by local authorities. It is your responsibility!"

Volodymyr Groysman also drew attention to the fact that insufficient energy saving leads to losses during the transportation of heat at about 15%. That is why the Head of Government appealed to the local heads and accentuated that it is vital here to develop a systematic approach to settle the issue.

"I urge city mayors to provide a clear plan for modernization and development of housing and communal services for 2019-2020. And I would like to urge you to invest most of the resource in boiler-houses, in the network", said Volodymyr Groysman. "Don’t pursue cheap fame that comes at a price for the people aftermath."