Economy

The Bank of Russia reported a net loss of 184.8 billion roubles for 2025. The previous year, the regulator had posted a profit.

Ukraine may not manage to obtain all the necessary equipment to repair the energy infrastructure damaged by Russian strikes before the start of next winter. Members of the Verkhovna Rada attribute this risk to the current procurement scheme via a European fund, which, according to MP Serhiy Nahorniak, does not allow for the rapid fulfilment of the need for spare parts.

Ukraine is preparing for a possible review of electricity tariffs, which could come into effect as early as May 2026. Among the reasons currently being discussed within the sector are the costs of restoring energy infrastructure, the need to stabilise the market, and preparations for periods of peak demand.

A war between the US and Israel in the Persian Gulf could have a significant impact on Russia’s energy revenues. Under one scenario, these could rise by more than $250 billion by the end of 2026.

In Ukraine, consumers may lawfully avoid paying for gas distribution services only in clearly defined circumstances. It is not actual consumption that matters, but the status of the connection to the gas network: if the property remains connected, charges continue to accrue even if no gas is used.

The US Department of the Treasury has issued a short-term licence for the sale of nearly 140 million barrels of Iranian oil currently held on tankers at sea. Officials in Washington have stated that this decision is intended to temporarily ease the pressure on global oil supplies amid the escalating situation surrounding Iran.

In 2026, Ukraine will once again be paying financial assistance for children from internally displaced persons’ families. The report states that support has been reinstated for families who previously lost it, as well as for families who have held IDP status since 2014. The payment is set at 3,000 UAH per child per month.

There are plans to launch a pilot scheme in Kyiv under which high-rise buildings will be fitted with backup power supplies free of charge. The government will fund the purchase and installation of batteries, inverters and generators, whilst participation in the scheme will be voluntary and subject to the decision of the building’s co-owners.

The energy crisis is escalating against the backdrop of the war in the Middle East. Experts are warning of the risk of oil shortages and a sharp rise in gas prices.

The government has not approved Kyiv’s energy sustainability plan and has sent it back to its drafters for further revision. The Cabinet of Ministers stated that the development of distributed heat supply should be the document’s key priority, and has instructed that the plan be finalised by early April 2026.

The economic consequences of the war in the Middle East are already being felt in various countries. The impact of these events is uneven and affects individual economies in different ways.

Socar, WOG and UPG petrol stations have increased the price of diesel by 3 UAH per litre and petrol by 1–2 UAH.