Heating costs could rise 10-15% this season, ministry says
Latvia's Climate and Energy Ministry estimates heating costs could increase by 10-15% this season, while the prime minister questioned a much steeper tariff hike cited by Rīgas siltums.
Latvia has completed preparations for the upcoming heating season, but residents will likely pay more for heat than before. The Ministry of Climate and Energy estimates that if winter turns out mild or moderately cold, overall heating costs could rise by roughly 10 to 15 percent. The ministry noted that increases in some municipalities could be considerably higher than the national average.
Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs of the Apvienotais saraksts party addressed the issue following today's government session. He expressed doubt about a previously cited potential tariff increase from heating utility Rīgas siltums, reportedly as high as 20 to 30 percent, saying such a jump did not align with the ministry's overall estimates.
This suggests Riga residents could face a considerably steeper cost increase than the national average, though a final tariff has not yet been confirmed. The ministry's forecast is based on an assumption of relatively mild or moderately cold winter conditions — a harsher winter could push costs even higher.
