Lukashenko: Higher utility costs should be offset by higher salaries

The rise in utility costs should be offset by higher salaries, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he visited the Mogilevliftmash enterprise on 10 July, BelTA has learned.

In June, the growth of tariffs for housing and utility services was tied to the base amount. Now the maximum allowable increase in payments for public utility services shall not exceed 50% of the base amount (instead of the previously established $5 equivalent). In this regard, the employees of the enterprise asked whether this would result in higher utility costs, since today half of the base amount (Br18.5) is above $5 at the current exchange rate.

The head of state noted that the difference is insignificant and there will certainly be no problems for employers to raise wages by this amount, especially at Mogilevliftmash.

“We should definitely make up for this difference through a pay rise. We should increase salaries little by little,” Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized. “We will try to move forward by raising salaries.”

At the same time, the president noted that households do not pay the full price for heat supply, but only 20-30% of actual costs. The rest is paid by the state.

The president explained why this decision was made. “The dollar is an enemy currency for us. They left, blocked settlements in dollars for us, so we are switching to yuan, Russian rubles. We are okay with that,” he said.

“It all boils down to one thing: our prosperity depends on how we will work. We live well compared to what is happening around us. So don't worry. We will lend a helping hand if things get tough,” Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized.