Lukashenko delays utility price hike

Head of state Vladimir Lukashenko has decided to postpone the increase in utility tariffs, which was stipulated by Decree No. 33 of January 23, 2026. The new start date for the increase is planned for March 1, 2026, instead of January 1.

The government submitted a corresponding proposal to the President, which was approved.

The administration explained the measures by noting that in January 2026, under conditions of low outdoor temperatures, consumption of thermal energy, electricity, and natural gas for heating exceeded December 2025 levels by 45%. It is assumed that this led to increased heating payments by the population, so the decision to postpone was made to avoid increasing the financial burden on citizens.

According to the authorities' statement, the measure has been postponed to prevent a significant increase in citizens' utility expenses.

Context

The decree regulating the tariff increase was adopted on January 23, 2026, and provided for the implementation of changes starting January 1. Due to the sharp rise in heating demand in January, decisions were made to postpone the implementation.