Prime Minister of Ukraine Vladimir Groisman took the decision, tough for himself and his Cabinet of Ministers, taking the side of people and refusing to increase gas rates from April 1, 2018, upon the request of the International Monetary Fund, UNN reports quoting DS.

“At the session, held on Wednesday, March 28, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine extended for two months the special obligations of Naftogaz of Ukraine NJSC and regional gas supply companies on natural gas delivery to the population and district heating companies without changing current prices. Thus, Vladimir Groisman’s government refused to increase gas rates from April 1, tentatively postponing the date of possible price review to June 1, 2018”, according to the material.

The authors remind that the gas rate increase for population is one of the main IMF’s requirements. In the meantime, currently, the negotiations with IMF on the gas rate increase for Ukrainians are continuing.

“Accordingly, it may be stated that Vladimir Groisman approved a very tough decision. Despite the tremendous pressure from IMF and other Western partners, the Prime Minister took the side of people in this conflict-related issue. He refused to increase gas prices, understanding the difficult state of Ukrainians and the full insolvency of most of them”, the article notes.

It is also emphasized that Groisman made it clear: he will not make concessions in the matters of principle. In the meantime, Prime Minister won time for solving the issue with gas rates.

“As the Cabinet of Ministers previously explained, IMF’s requirement does not contain a direct order to increase rates. It more likely refers to the price equalization for the commercial sector and population. However, in Ukrainian realities, it will necessarily lead to the serious increase of numbers in utility bills. Such decision will make sense only after the gas market is created in Ukraine. It will lead to the appearance of competition, fight for clients and, as the result, gas price reduction for everybody – in this case, the gas rate equalization will be justified. However, while the creation of the market is in process, it is better to postpone such decision. What Groisman actually did, manifesting himself as the wise manager, who first thinks about his people”, the authors state.

According to their opinion, right now, IMF also understands the irrelevance of gas rate increase, because the competent economists and financiers work there. Meanwhile, the Fund still continues insisting, placing their short-term interests above the prospects of well-being of the whole nation.

“Surprisingly, even the politicians from the highest levels of Ukrainian government repeatedly stated that we need to do what IMF says; they know what is better”, as is emphasized in the material. Against this background, Prime Minister Vladimir Groisman comes forward advantageously with his principled position and readiness to protect the interests of his people as the priority, but not of “foreign friends”, who impose quite unfriendly requirements”, as is emphasized in the material.