What will change in Ukraine starting May 1, 2026: electricity rates, subsidies, and new rules from Ukrzaliznytsia

Starting May 1, 2026, a number of significant changes will be introduced in Ukraine that will affect household expenses, social benefits, and travel. Some of these changes pertain to utility rates, while others concern subsidies, payments to internally displaced persons (IDPs), and the rules governing government programs. Find out exactly what will change and how it will affect your budget and daily life

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May 2026 brings several significant changes for Ukrainians: from utility rates to social benefits and transportation services. Some of these changes take effect from the very beginning of the month, while others will have a gradual but noticeable impact on household budgets.

Key changes include a revision of electricity payment terms, automatic recalculation of subsidies, new rules for internally displaced persons, and an update to Ukrzaliznytsia’s fare policy.

In this article, we’ll break down the main changes effective May 1 clearly and concisely.

In our previous article, we talked about the specifics of the housing reform and the opportunities for free housing.

Electricity and Utility Rates: What Will Change Starting May 1

As of May 1, 2026, there will be no significant revision of base rates; however, certain conditions for electricity consumers remain key to determining bills.

The base electricity rate remains at 4.32 UAH per kWh. At the same time, an important issue is the discount for households with electric heating. Despite previous plans to abolish it, the government has extended the reduced rate until October 31, 2026. This means that the first 2,000 kWh can continue to be paid at a lower rate, and everything above this amount—at the standard price.

As for other utilities, the situation is as follows:

1. Gas for residential consumers is fixed at 7.96 UAH per cubic meter until April 2027

2. The water rate is not uniform across the country—it is set by local authorities or the regulator, so prices may vary depending on the city

Subsidy recalculation: what will change starting in May

In May, Ukraine traditionally conducts an automatic recalculation of housing subsidies for the summer period (until September 30).

For most recipients, nothing changes—the recalculation occurs automatically without the need to apply. However, there are categories of people who must resubmit their documents.

A new application and declaration must be submitted by IDPs, tenants, households with a lower actual number of residents, as well as those who previously did not receive a subsidy or received 0 UAH. Documents can be submitted online via the Pension Fund portal, in person, or through the Administrative Service Center.

The key change is not in the program itself, but in the verification of eligibility for the subsidy. If a household’s circumstances have changed or the data is outdated, payments may not be automatically renewed.

We previously reported that the income threshold for receiving utility subsidies has changed in Ukraine.

IDP Payments: What Will Change Starting in May

In May 2026, the conditions for receiving assistance for internally displaced persons will change, primarily regarding the terms and criteria for eligibility.

The deadline for submitting applications to renew payments for displaced children has been extended to June 1. If an application is submitted during this period, funds will be retroactively credited starting in February.

The approach to granting assistance has also been updated: payments will be provided for a longer period to reduce the number of repeat applications. At the same time, verification of data and compliance with criteria is being strengthened.

- Children under 6 receive assistance regardless of family income

- For children aged 6–18, place of residence and schooling are taken into account

- For adults, requirements regarding employment or registration at an employment center apply

Some IDPs may lose their benefits if they have returned home, left the country for an extended period, or failed to update their information.

In our previous article, we discussed the housing voucher program for IDPs up to 2 million UAH.

Deferral from mobilization: new application procedure

Starting in May 2026, the deferral application procedure will change—it will now be fully digitized.

Key change: documents are no longer submitted directly to the TCC. Applications can only be submitted through the ASC or online via the Reserve+ app.

Application review takes 7 to 14 days. During this period, the individual cannot be mobilized or referred to the Medical Examination Commission.

- If the deferment has already been automatically extended in the system – no action is required

- If the deferment is about to expire or the data hasn’t been updated, you must resubmit the documents

- If your circumstances change (work, education, family, health), you must update the basis for deferment

Important note: Some citizens must renew their deferment by May 4; otherwise, it may expire.

We previously explained in detail that the deferral from mobilization will be processed differently starting May 1.

“Affordable Medicines” Program: New Requirements

Starting May 1, the rules for obtaining certain medications under the Affordable Medicines program are changing.

This concerns hormone therapy for breast cancer—now, to receive the medication, you need a current individual treatment plan in the ESOS electronic system.

- If the plan exists and is valid, the medications are dispensed as before

- If the plan is missing or outdated, you need to consult a doctor and update it

Once the plan is created or updated, access to the medication is automatically restored.

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“Ukrzaliznytsia”: new prices and women-only cars

Starting in late April, Ukrzaliznytsia is introducing dynamic pricing for tickets in SV and 1st-class cars on “Intercity” trains.

Ticket prices now vary depending on demand: the day of the week, season, time of purchase, and train occupancy. The closer the departure date and the fewer available seats, the higher the price. At the same time, fares for open-seating cars, compartments, and 2nd class on “Intercity” trains remain unchanged.

Also, starting May 1, the company is expanding its network of women-only cars. They will be introduced on new routes: No. 7 Kharkiv–Odesa, No. 12 Lviv–Odesa, and No. 92 Lviv–Kyiv. In total, such cars are already operating on 18 routes across Ukraine.

Planning a trip around Ukraine? On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can quickly find current routes, check train schedules, and book convenient tickets online. This is convenient if you need to compare travel options, plan your route, and avoid overpaying due to dynamic pricing.

Income Tax Filing: What Changes on May 1

May 1 marks the end of the campaign for filing 2025 income tax returns in Ukraine. This primarily applies to those who received income not from tax agents—for example, from abroad, from rent, or from self-employment.

After this date, penalties for late filing of the return will apply. The base fine is 340 UAH, and in the event of a repeat violation within a year, 1,020 UAH. If tax payments are also overdue, an additional 10% or 20% of the debt amount may be charged, depending on the length of the delay.

Energy Independence Assistance for Sole Proprietors: New Conditions

Until May 31, 2026, entrepreneurs can apply for a one-time grant to enhance energy independence.

The program is available to sole proprietors in single-tax groups 2 and 3 who were registered by December 1, 2025. However, entrepreneurs under the general tax system, as well as sole proprietors in groups 1 and 4, are not eligible for these terms.

Funds are provided for a specific purpose—they can be used for equipment to ensure the business’s autonomous operation, including generators, batteries, or backup power systems. Applications can be submitted online via the Diya app, after which they undergo verification and, if approved, the funds are transferred to the account.

To avoid errors in documents and prevent fines for missing deadlines, it is advisable to check all tax and legal details in advance. Visit Ukraine’s lawyers assist entrepreneurs and individuals in properly filing tax returns, assessing risks, and preparing the necessary documents. Consulting with a specialist allows you to avoid unnecessary expenses and confidently resolve all issues related to taxes and business operations.

Fuel Cashback: What Will Change in May

In May 2026, the “National Cashback” program for fuel will continue, but with updated terms.

The program has been extended until May 31, but the maximum compensation amount has been reduced—it is now up to 500 UAH per month instead of the previous 1,000 UAH. At the same time, the calculation mechanism itself remains unchanged: a portion of the funds spent is automatically refunded when paying for fuel with a card linked to the program, with the amount reflected in the Diya app.

The cashback rate also remains unchanged: up to 15% for diesel, up to 10% for gasoline, and up to 5% for autogas.

We previously explained, how fuel cashback works and how much you can save.

Exchange Rates in May: What to Expect

In May 2026, Ukraine’s foreign exchange market will remain relatively stable, though fluctuations are inevitable. The main factor is the policy of the National Bank of Ukraine, which continues to maintain the exchange rate under a managed floating regime.

According to bankers’ estimates, no significant spikes are expected, though daily fluctuations may be noticeable. The exchange rate will be influenced by international financial aid, the situation on global markets (particularly oil prices), and military risks.

Expected range in May:

Dollar – approximately 43.8–44.8 UAH

Euro – within 51–52.5 UAH

Holidays in May: Will There Be Additional Days Off

In May 2026, Ukraine traditionally celebrates several important dates, including Labor Day (May 1), Remembrance and Victory Day (May 8), and Trinity Sunday.

However, there will be no additional days off in connection with these holidays. Due to the state of martial law, labor law provisions regarding the rescheduling of holidays and non-working days are temporarily suspended.

We remind you! In 2025, the demand for rental housing in the western regions of Ukraine increased amid a decline in supply. Read more about where the highest prices were recorded, in which regions the number of apartments decreased the most, and what risks are emerging in the market.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

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