Will Russia’s nationwide utility tariffs (ЖКУ) increase by an average of at least 18% in 2026?

Russia is preparing for a rare double increase in utility tariffs next year. According to the newly approved government schedule: January 1, 2026: a 1.7% nationwide increase driven by the VAT rise to 22%, not by tariff changes. October 1, 2026: the main adjustment, with regional authorities allowed to raise tariffs according to locally set indices. Due to sharply deteriorated infrastructure, regional investment needs, and long-suppressed prices in some areas, the average increase across Russia is expected to approach 18%, with some regions potentially seeing growth above 40%, while others remain closer to 9–10%. Authorities state the goal is to stabilize the utilities sector, reduce network failures, and finance modernization projects, as depreciation of communal infrastructure now exceeds 60% nationwide.