Money is coming back: briefly about the essence

The Ministry of Economy reported that from March 27 payments under the National cashback for January will begin. More than 4.1 million users of the program will receive compensation. The ministry did not name the official amount directly, but it is estimated at approximately UAH 440 million, which follows from an indirect calculation.

How UAH 440 million was calculated

The estimate is based on the difference between the total value of purchases in December and January — about UAH 4.4 billion. Under January’s scheme the cashback rate was 10% (for Ukrainian goods), so 10% of UAH 4.4 billion gives about UAH 440 million. This is an approximate figure; final payments must be confirmed by the Ministry of Economy’s press service.

"Payments of cashback for February will also begin soon."

— Press service of the Ministry of Economy

Context: comparison with previous months

For scale: for December a record UAH 699 million was paid out (payments began on February 27). For comparison, for November 2025 UAH 524 million was paid, and for December 2025 — about UAH 436 million. This shows that the volumes of payments fluctuate and depend on buyer activity and the program’s mechanics.

What changed since March 1 and why it matters

January accruals are made under the old scheme (a 10% rate for Ukrainian goods). But from March 1 the government introduced differentiated rates — 5% and 15% depending on the category of goods. The intention to change the rates was mentioned by Minister of Economy Oleksiy Sobolev in an interview with LIGA.net. This means support will now be more targeted: higher rates will incentivize priority sectors, lower ones will reduce the burden on the budget.

In parallel: fuel compensation

From March 20, for 40 days partial compensation of fuel expenses will be in effect at participating gas stations: 15% — on diesel, 10% — on petrol, 5% — on autogas. According to government estimates, this will save the end consumer between UAH 2 and 11 per liter.

Why this matters for the state and what people will feel

The program works as an instrument of short-term support for demand for domestic products and eases pressure on household budgets. For producers it is an incentive to maintain and increase sales within the country. For the state — a balance between social effect and fiscal responsibility: the move to 5%/15% allows more precise allocation of limited resources.

"A financial catastrophe in April is unlikely, since Ukraine received an IMF tranche and may receive funds under an EU loan"

— Danylo Hetmantsev, Chair of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Finance, Tax and Customs Policy

Brief conclusion — what to expect next

Payments are starting and will have an immediate effect on the purchasing power of millions of Ukrainians. But the effectiveness of the measure depends on two factors: transparent and fast execution of payments and clear definition of priority categories in the new scheme. If these conditions are met, cashback can both retain consumers and support domestic producers — which is what the economy needs now.

For more details on the mechanics and lists of participants, check the official resources of the Ministry of Economy and the LIGA.net materials that covered the changes in the program.