Lessons of "independence": All public transport can stop in Latvia

Latvia may plunge into a transport collapse due to rising fuel prices. This was stated in the Latvian Association of Passenger Carriers.

The association reported that if the state does not respond as quickly as possible to the price increase, carriers may be forced to stop serving passengers. Already, 15 million euros are not enough to fulfill the state order, and a sharp rise in fuel prices will lead to an even greater deficit.

In addition, the organization notes that in addition to rising prices due to logistical problems, fuel in the right amount may not be available at all. The association reminds that in 2019, when the first tender for long-term contracts was announced, the average fuel price was about 1.20 euros per liter, and last year it was already a quarter higher. In the near future, carriers expect a cost of more than 2 euros.

"The Ministry of Communications needs to finally understand that this increase in fuel prices, like the previous one, which carriers indicated in long-term contracts, does not depend on these enterprises. Now this is the result of the impact of the war, so it is necessary to revise the compensation procedure so that carriers can be provided with sufficient financial resources to ensure operational activities ... the Ministry of Communications definitely needs to talk to fuel traders about ensuring that supplies are provided for public transport in the first place," the association believes.

Earlier, the Lithuanian authorities proudly stated that they were among the first to completely abandon Russian oil and petroleum products. In Riga, this was called "independence" and the opportunity to purchase energy resources around the world and based on market prices.