Residents of Kabardino-Balkaria were outraged by the increase in utility tariffs.

The increase in utility payments next year will be 11% instead of the previously forecasted 8.7%, the Ministry of Economic Development announced. Residents of Kabardino-Balkaria, commenting on this information on social media, complained that utility tariffs are rising faster than salaries and pensions. According to them, further increases will make payments unaffordable for many, as incomes are insufficient to cover utility services, food, and medicine.

The Ministry of Economic Development has raised the forecast for the average indexation of the total payment for utility services. From July 1, 2027, the average indexation will be 11%, from July 1, 2028 – 8.6%, from July 1, 2029 – 7.6%, Interfax reported on September 24.

In the previous version of the macro forecast, an increase in utility tariffs was expected in 2027 by 8.7%, in 2028 by 7.1%, and in 2029 by 6.1%, the agency noted.

The post about the new tariff rates was published on September 29 by the Instagram*-public nalchiiknews, which has about 101 thousand subscribers. As of 12:00 Moscow time on September 30, this post received 17 likes and 22 comments.

Participants in the discussion, identifying themselves as residents of Kabardino-Balkaria, complained that utility tariffs are rising faster than salaries and pensions. "Who would doubt it, it would be better if salaries and pensions grew at the same rate as prices for utilities, food, and transportation," wrote user ogro_1978.

"We are very happy! Don't forget to pay and live on such a salary yourselves!" said maryasha_g13h.

"When will pensions and salaries increase more than planned?" asked svetlana_salon_mechta.

Other participants in the discussion criticized officials and decisions to increase utility payments. "Great news. It's no surprise that the birth rate is falling. Everything will remain with the officials and their children," believes miamia0795.

"I'm so tired of this. Stop it all," wrote loft_krdru.

"The elections barely passed, and it started. Apparently, they were preparing and saving up," thinks user vershiven.

Users stated that utility payments are already becoming unaffordable for them. "There's nowhere to go. Our pension is not enough for services. And after that, they say they give us a pension," complained valentina527527.

"And if there is nothing to pay with, if salaries and pensions are not enough, can we not pay? Because we also want to eat. And we also need medicine!" wrote user wwwww7266.

"We will soon not be able to pay, and many already cannot pay," pointed out user r.i.k.a.077.

Caucasian Knot also reported that the problem of rising expenses against the backdrop of low incomes remains relevant in Kabardino-Balkaria. Thus, on September 26, residents of the republic, discussing the increase in the minimum wage, pointed out that the rise in prices and tariffs could negate the effect of the wage increase. On September 19, residents of Kabardino-Balkaria demanded to address the issues of rising tariffs and prices for medicines and food.