Heating costs in Latvia may rise by 10–15% this winter — LSM English

Heating costs in Latvia may rise by an average of 10–15% this winter in mild or moderately cold weather. At the same time, the country has sufficient fuel for the heating season, LSM English reports.

Gas and pellet reserves

At the start of the heating season, the Inčukalns gas storage facility is expected to hold approximately as much natural gas as it did before the previous winter. The prime minister said it contains 1.8 terawatt-hours of gas, which, in his assessment, is enough to cover Latvia’s consumption for around two to three months.

Wood pellets are also available. Their price has fallen after a sharp increase in the summer, but remains higher than it was previously.

Costs will vary between municipalities

Heating bills will not rise equally across different parts of the country. They will be affected by the method of heat production and the timing of fuel purchases by heat supply companies. The current price of natural gas is approximately twice as high as at the beginning of the year, although some companies bought it in advance at lower prices.

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State Secretary Līga Kurevska noted that for a resident of a small apartment, average monthly costs during the heating season may rise by €2–10, and in some cases by up to €15. For an average private house in a city, additional costs may amount to €20–40 per month. In a severe winter, the increase may be greater.

In some municipalities, costs may rise more significantly, while in others they may even be lower than last winter.

Support for low-income people and Riga

Latvia’s Saeima decided to increase housing assistance for low-income people for the duration of the heating season. The average payment is forecast to rise by just under €25 per month per person, but the specific amount will depend on the recipient’s circumstances.

Riga’s winter heat tariff has not yet been determined. Rīgas siltums had previously suggested that it could rise by 20–30% from December. By October 16, the ministries of economics, climate and energy, as well as finance, must prepare a report on the work completed, the possible impact of the measures and further decisions.