How Prices Are Growing in Belarus
- Apr 7
- 3 min read
How much has the cost of public transportation and gasoline increased in Belarus in recent years?
In early April 2025, two news stories emerged that directly affect the wallet of every Belarusian. The so-called authorities announced price increases for gasoline and public transportation. The fare increase affected several cities: Minsk, Grodno, and Brest. In Minsk, for example, the cost of a ticket for the bus, trolleybus, tram, and electric bus will increase by 10 kopecks — a single ride will now cost 95 kopecks, and if buying a ticket from the driver, it will cost 1 ruble. A metro token will also cost 1 ruble.
Many might say: these are insignificant amounts. However, such "hardly noticeable" increases are part of an overall strategy, the essence of which is gradual and almost imperceptible price hikes. This policy allows avoiding resonance and widespread dissatisfaction, but its consequences become obvious in the long term.
To better understand the scale, let’s look at the history of fare prices in Minsk over the past 15 years. In 2010, the cost of a single ride in public transport was 600 non-denominated rubles, which is equivalent to 6 kopecks after the denomination in 2016.
In 2015, the fare increased to 4,500 rubles (45 kopecks in the new currency). By 2020, a single ride already cost 75 kopecks. And now, in 2025, it’s 95 kopecks. Thus, over 15 years, the cost of a ride has increased from 6 to 95 kopecks — more than 15 times. In percentage terms, the increase was nearly 1500%.
If we look further back in history and take the year 2000 as a baseline, the fare price in the capital has increased 35 times. During Lukashenko's time in power, prices have risen tens of times — and this is far from just transportation.
The question that arises for any reasonable person is: has the real wealth of Belarusians increased during this time? Has the average salary of a Belarusian increased 15 times? The answer is obvious. Yes, nominal salaries have indeed increased, but in the context of constant inflation and devaluation, this has not led to a real increase in purchasing power. Moreover, even the average pension in Poland today exceeds the average salary in Belarus, and in Poland itself, there are additional social payments such as the 13th pension.
For comparison: in Luxembourg, public transportation has been free for everyone since 2020. In Poland, several cities have also introduced free public transport — such examples exist in Elbląg, Gliwice, and Kołobrzeg. And in Warsaw, despite the higher cost of a single ride, when purchasing a travel pass with a tax benefit, the fare may be lower than in Minsk.
Alongside the increase in public transport fares, the price of gasoline in Belarus is also rising. Despite loud statements by Lukashenko that "there will be no price hikes," gasoline prices have already been raised four times since the beginning of 2025. The retail price of one liter of AI-95 gasoline is now 2 rubles 52 kopecks. For comparison, in 2010, a liter of the same gasoline cost 2,840 non-denominated rubles — about 28 kopecks. The increase over 15 years has been around 800%.
Such gradual, but steady price hikes are not a coincidence. This is the result of the economic policy of Lukashenko's regime, based on populism, lack of reforms, and international isolation. Rising costs, falling incomes, inefficient management, and ignoring the needs of citizens have led to economic stagnation.
Belarusians are forced to pay more — for public transport, fuel, food, and utilities. And yet their incomes are not growing at a comparable pace. Economic problems cannot be explained by external factors alone — they are the consequence of systemic internal mistakes and the absence of a clear development strategy.
The future economic recovery is only possible with a change of regime, with reforms, and the return of the country to a democratic and sustainable development path. And that moment will surely come.
Long live Belarus!
Comments