In September, the prices for wood pellets and wood chips in Latvia were significantly higher than a year ago. This was reported by the chief economist of Citadele Bank, Karlis Purgalis. According to him, producers sold pellets at a price ranging from 290 to 320 euros per ton excluding VAT. For comparison, in September of last year, a ton cost about 200 euros excluding VAT. Thus, over the year, the price of pellets has increased by approximately 40–50%. A similar situation is observed in the wood chip market. An analysis of exchange transactions by the company Rīgas siltums shows that in September, wood chips were purchased at 27.5 euros per megawatt-hour, with delivery in November at 30 euros, and in December and January at 33 euros per megawatt-hour. A year ago, the corresponding prices were 19.3, 20.77, and 22.97 euros per megawatt-hour, respectively. According to the economist's calculations, this indicates an increase in the cost of wood chips by approximately 42–44% over the year. An even more significant price increase has occurred in the European natural gas market. Currently, the price at the largest European gas hub, TTF, is 71.7 euros per megawatt-hour, which is about 2.3 times higher than last year's level. Moreover, in the first decade of September, the gas price reached 84.5 euros per megawatt-hour — the highest value in recent years and more than 2.4 times higher than a year earlier. According to Purgalis, the rise in energy prices will inevitably affect residents' expenses in the upcoming heating season. At the same time, the amount of additional costs will vary. Final bills will be influenced by the size and energy efficiency of the housing, the heating system used, the type of fuel, as well as when it was purchased or the price at which the supply contract was concluded. The economist also warns that this winter, fluctuations in electricity prices may become more noticeable. One of the reasons remains the high cost of natural gas, which continues to play an important role in electricity production in Europe.