In the upcoming heating season, heating expenses in Latvia will generally increase moderately; however, in certain municipalities and for some categories of consumers, a significantly more noticeable price increase is possible. This was reported by the Ministry of Climate and Energy. The ministry notes that the main risks are not related to a shortage of energy resources, but to the specifics of individual heating supply systems and the types of fuel used. Since the beginning of summer, the ministry, together with heating enterprises and municipalities, has been preparing for the new season, focusing on creating fuel reserves, ensuring infrastructure readiness, and measures to support residents in case of price increases. According to the ministry's assessment, the most noticeable differences are expected in the area of centralized heating. In small local systems, where it is impossible to use different types of fuel or purchases were made at high prices, tariffs may rise significantly more than the national average. Certain risks also remain for owners of homes with pellet heating. This primarily concerns those who purchased pellets during the peak price period, as well as owners of large and poorly insulated homes, where fuel consumption is particularly high. Gas users will also feel the increase in expenses if their contracts are tied to market prices. In this case, the cost of heating will depend on the situation in the European gas market. According to the ministry's calculations, on average, additional expenses for an apartment of about 35 square meters may range from 2 to 10 euros per month. For a private house of about 100 square meters, the increase in costs is estimated at approximately 20–40 euros per month, depending on the heating system used. At the same time, the ministry emphasizes that the country is generally provided with the necessary fuel reserves, and the average increase in tariffs for centralized heating in September did not exceed 5%. Due to possible local price spikes, the government decided to strengthen support for low-income households. The Saeima has already adopted amendments to the Law on Social Services and Social Assistance, which provide for an increase in coefficients when calculating housing benefits for the heating season of 2026/2027. From November 1, 2026, to April 30, 2027, increased coefficients will be applied for different population groups. For single pensioners and people with disabilities, the coefficient will increase from 2.1 to 2.5. For households consisting only of pensioners or people with disabilities, as well as families with children, the coefficient will be 2. For other households, it will rise from 1.3 to 1.7. Residents who are already receiving housing benefits will not need to reapply to social services — the recalculation will be done automatically. According to estimates from the Ministry of Climate and Energy, thanks to the changes, the number of housing benefit recipients will increase by approximately 2,230 people and reach about 37,600. The average benefit amount will also increase — from 149.19 to 174.11 euros per month.
