Utility tariffs increased on TOT under pretext of VAT - CCD

Residents of the temporarily occupied Melitopol, Zaporizhzhia Region, were faced with the fact that utility services will become more expensive from January 1, 2026. At the same time, this was announced after the new tariffs came into force, explaining the increase in prices by a "VAT increase". This is stated in a message from the Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD) under the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC).

Thus, the occupation authorities announced an increase in electricity tariffs by 1.7%, but the occupation structures have not yet published specific prices.

It is noted that a similar situation exists in other occupied cities. In Mariupol, the water tariff increased by almost 97%, and for gas - by almost 292%. The occupation administrations explain this by "tax changes", in fact shifting the economic problems of the aggressor country of russia onto the civilian population.

"The enemy is systematically worsening the economic situation of residents of the temporarily occupied territories. Raising tariffs without prior notice, lack of transparency in pricing, and the inability to appeal decisions are all elements of pressure on the civilian population," the CCD report says.

As Ukrainian News Agency earlier reported, cash disappeared from ATMs in various parts of the city in the temporarily occupied Melitopol on the eve of the New Year holidays.