The heating season kicks off today in Serbia, bringing changes in costs for residents relying on district heating. Starting in November, users in some cities and municipalities will see price increases ranging from 1% to 30%.
In contrast, certain areas will either maintain their current prices or experience reductions.
According to the Republic Statistical Office (RZS), district heating costs in Serbia rose by 10.5% in the first eight months of this year compared to the same period last year. District heating is operational in 60 cities and municipalities across the country. The “Toplane Srbije” Association reports that heating prices in various plants have increased by 1% to 30% this year. In the capital, JKP Beogradske elektrane has secured an 8.92% price hike, which has been approved, leading to higher heating bills for residents.
Nikola Jovanović, director of the Center for Local Self-Government (CLS), previously mentioned that Belgrade residents should expect another electricity price increase in November, despite recent milder winters.
“Residents using district heating in Belgrade will receive bills reflecting an 8.9% increase starting in November. Instead of the previous rate of 132.8 dinars, they will pay 144.6 per square meter, resulting in over 600 dinars more on the average bill,” Jovanović stated. He highlighted that this marks the third increase in heating costs since January 2023.
Energetika Kragujevac has raised its rates by 15.6% this year, while JKP Gradska toplana Kruševac has increased theirs by 20%. Kraljevo will also see a smaller hike of 1.42%. Notably, JKP Toplana Bor raised its prices by 30% on April 1, marking the first increase since 2019.
In two cities where heating costs are based on energy consumption rather than square footage, there have also been price adjustments. Niš experienced a reduction in the variable component of the price by 8.89%, coupled with a 27.06% increase in the fixed component. Conversely, Subotica saw increases in both the variable (8.40%) and fixed (19.22%) components.
On a positive note, JKP Toplifikacija Sremska Mitrovica has lowered its prices by 10%. Additionally, cities such as Novi Sad, Zrenjanin, Smederevo, Trstenik and Leskovac will not implement any price changes for heating services.
