“Freebie for voters”: does fuel cashback really help Ukrainians?

The “Cashback on Fuel” program, which has been used by over 1.3 million Ukrainians, does not bring any real benefit to the country’s economy, which is in a difficult situation.

Viktor Bobyrenko, an expert at the Bureau of Policy Analysis, harshly criticized the state initiative to pay compensation for the purchase of fuel on the air of “Pryamoy”.

“Ukrainians should not make these mistakes, explaining to each other that this is a freebie. And even if you took advantage of the freebie, this is not a reason to love Zelensky and his team, because in fact, apart from bribing the elections, there is no economic effect here,” the studio guest noted.

Under the terms of the project, drivers receive from 5% to 15% cashback on gas, gasoline, and diesel, but the total amount is limited to a limit of 1,000 hryvnias per month. Bobyrenko compared this policy to previous payments, emphasizing that such steps are aimed at artificially increasing the authorities’ ratings.

He urged citizens not to perceive budget handouts as sincere concern, as they are merely an attempt at political maneuvering ahead of future election cycles.

At the same time, Boberenko analyzed the rapid increase in fuel prices and the inability of state bodies to perform their regulatory function. He drew attention to the fact that prices on the shelves have increased speculatively, since the fuel in the warehouses was produced when the price of oil was still low.

“The state as a regulator is incapable. It cannot perform this function. Then they specifically lowered it by one hryvnia. And now everyone has 70, and they have 69.90, for example. They lowered it by 10 kopecks or one hryvnia so that we believe that Ukrnafta is the cheapest,” Viktor Bobyrenko emphasized.

Recall that Ukrainians can receive up to 15% cashback for purchasing fuel at gas stations. The funds received are credited to a special card for payment for Ukrainian goods and services. The total volume of the new cashback program is estimated by the Ministry of Economy at approximately 3 billion hryvnias. The funds will be redistributed within the budget of the ministry.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture reported on the costs of the “Cashback for Fuel” program in Ukraine. Daily payments to Ukrainians amount to about UAH 20 million , which are directed to specific needs. The government emphasizes that the program is in demand among the population.