When you don’t have to pay for gas delivery: what conditions have experts outlined
In Ukraine, the conditions under which domestic consumers may legally avoid paying for gas supply have been reiterated. Experts emphasise that it is not the volume of gas consumed that is decisive, but the very fact that a house or flat is connected to the network.
Households that have completed the procedure for full disconnection from the gas supply are exempt from payment. This refers to the physical disconnection of the property from the network, where the pipe has been capped, the meter removed, and the gas distribution network operator has officially recorded this in the relevant documents. After this, charges should cease automatically.
It is also noted that consumers who have arranged for a temporary disconnection and completed the technical work required by the regulations may also be exempt from paying for distribution.
At the same time, simply ceasing to use gas does not cancel the charge. If a property is vacant or the consumer is not actually using gas, but the property remains connected to the network, the supply service continues to be charged.
Experts also draw attention to the subsidy mechanism. For those who meet the criteria of the state programme, part of the gas distribution costs may be covered by the programme itself. In such cases, the consumer pays only the difference.
Separately, consumers are advised to contact the gas distribution operator in advance if they do not plan to use gas or wish to reduce their costs. This is necessary to clarify the disconnection procedure and avoid unnecessary charges in the future.
As a reminder, gas prices for households may rise: Naftogaz is forecasting a shortage
