The jump in utility tariffs that Russian citizens faced in early 2026 has become a record for the last 16 years, according to Rosstat data, published in the Unified Interdepartmental Information and Statistical System (EMISS).
According to the statistics, in January, the average utility tariffs in the country increased by 15.02% year-on-year, which was the strongest increase since September 2010 (when it was 15.6%).
The record-breaking regions, where the amounts in the bills jumped by more than 20%, were Mordovia (+23.65%), Kemerovo Region (+22.9%) and Perm Krai (+20.23%). At the same time, in not a single subject of the Russian Federation did utility services not rise by at least 10%.
The rise in tariffs for cold water set a record since June 2011 – 15.5%, according to data in EMISS, and for hot water supply – since December 2010 (16%). Gas has risen in price on average by 14.85% in annual terms, which was the maximum since June 2014.
The tariff shock has pushed utility services prices into the top of Russians’ concerns for the first time in a long time. According to the Public Opinion Foundation, in March, 45% of citizens complained about the rise in tariffs – the maximum share in 5 years of comparable data.
However, the January indexation is only part of the planned increase for this year, which the government approved at the end of last year. From October, tariffs will rise again – by 8-22% depending on the region (The Moscow Times).
