In December 2024, the Vladimir-Volynsky City Court rejected a man's lawsuit demanding that "Volynhgaz" cancel a debt for gas delivery amounting to 3874 UAH.
A Ukrainian who moved to Italy with his family back in 2022 and stopped using gas continued to receive bills for the delivery of blue fuel.
The case notes indicate that despite the lack of gas consumption (which was confirmed by a zero reading on the meter), the company charged for gas delivery based on volumes unrelated to the meter readings. A representative of "Volynhgaz" explained that the delivery charges were calculated in 2023 based on gas consumption from October 2021 to September 2022, when the family had not yet left.
Currently, they have consumed 1520 cubic meters of gas, so the delivery fee was calculated based on an average consumption volume of 126.6 cubic meters per month.
Even if the family did not use gas, charges continued at the minimum volumes. The court noted that the cessation or limitation of gas consumption does not relieve the consumer from the obligation to pay for natural gas distribution services, except in the case of contract termination.
Thus, the court established that payment for gas delivery is required even if the apartment is empty and gas supply services are not being used. If one wishes to avoid paying for gas delivery, it is necessary to terminate the contract and disconnect the gas.
Source: OBOZ.UA.