Municipal poker: expert explained why monopolists hold all the cards, while consumers are left empty-handed.

Problems of consumer rights protection in the housing and utilities sector

The system of consumer rights protection in the housing and utilities sector of Ukraine is almost not functioning, creating conditions for various violations by monopolists. This was reported by an expert in the housing and utilities sector and energy, head of the 'Union of Consumers of Communal Services' Oleg Popenko in an interview with the publication 'Khylya'.

The expert pointed to a serious imbalance in the legislation of Ukraine in favor of suppliers of communal services, leaving consumers almost unprotected from the actions of monopolists. He also noted that the State Consumer Service, which should protect consumer rights, does not fulfill its functions.

'There is a legislative field that allows monopolists to demand excessive amounts from Ukrainians. There is also an illegal field that is used for abuses,' Popenko emphasized.

The expert compared the situation to a game of poker, where monopolists have a favorable 'hand', while consumers have the worst 'two'. He also cited examples of effective state structures for protecting consumer rights in Europe, while in Ukraine such an inspection was liquidated back in 2011-2012.

'The ministry believes that everything is fine. They don't care about millions of Ukrainians, and the existing practices do not meet European standards or common sense,' Popenko concluded.

According to the expert, there is currently no effective structure in Ukraine that could regulate tariffs and combat illegally issued bills in the housing and utilities sector.

In light of the arguments presented, one can conclude about the necessity and urgent measures needed to improve consumer rights protection in the housing and utilities sector.