Aleksandr Lukashenko postpones increase in utility rates for Belarusian households

Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko has decided in favor of rescheduling an increase in utility rates for households from 1 January to 1 March 2026 in order to prevent a significant increase in the financial burden that payments for the utilities represent for citizens.

The government approached the President with a corresponding proposal and the President approved it.

Utility rates were supposed to go up in line with Belarus President decree No.33 of 23 January 2026. By the President’s decision on 4 February the planned change has been postponed to a later date.

Due to current weather conditions and steadily low temperatures outdoors the amount of heating energy, electricity, and natural gas spent on heating in January 2026 increased by 45% in comparison with December 2025 according to preliminary calculations.

The decision has been made for the sake of preventing an additional burden on citizens when paying for housing and utility services.