Latvian Economy Official Comments on Gazprom Halt and LNG as a Priority
The head of Latvia’s Ministry of Economy, Ilze Indriksone, stated on Latvian radio that Gazprom’s decision to temporarily halt deliveries will not cause a major disruption for Latvian residents. The message stressed that the interruption is not seen as a lasting change in the country’s energy outlook.
Indriksone emphasized that the country cannot rely on continued long term gas supplies from Russia. In her assessment, the current gas situation requires adjusting expectations and planning accordingly. The official highlighted that securing liquefied natural gas from Klaipeda has emerged as a priority in ensuring a stable energy supply for Latvia.
According to Indriksone, this shift towards alternative sources is a response to the broader energy risk caused by geopolitical tensions. She described Gazprom’s decision as part of a pressure tactic, rather than a signal of reliable future deliveries for Latvia.
On July 30 Latvia confirmed the loss of Russian gas deliveries. In a related development, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told a Portuguese newspaper that EU member states should voluntarily conserve gas. The interview underscored the need for collective action to mitigate supply disruptions across the union’s energy market. Attribution: a statement attributed to Ursula von der Leyen in Diario de Noticias reported through official EU channels.
Officials noted that Gazprom cited violations of gas withdrawal conditions as the reason for stopping deliveries to Latvia, a claim that has been met with close scrutiny in Brussels and the Baltic region. The evolving situation prompted Latvian authorities to accelerate diversification plans, aiming to reduce dependence on a single supplier and to strengthen gas resilience through interconnections and storage capacity improvements. Observers point out that the pivot to Klaipeda LNG and other regional sources could cushion the impact of Western sanctions on energy supply while supporting price stability for consumers. The stance reflects a broader European push to diversify energy partnerships and to bolster strategic reserves in the face of ongoing external pressures.
As Latvia continues to monitor the gas market, policy makers stress the importance of transparent communication with residents and businesses. They warn against overreliance on any single external supplier and encourage proactive engagement with regional energy infrastructure projects. The overarching goal remains clear: maintain reliable heat and power for households while fostering a competitive, secure energy landscape across the Baltic region and beyond. Analysts note that the current developments may also influence neighboring states as they reassess their own energy strategies in light of continued geopolitical volatility. Attribution: officials and regional energy market analyses stemming from Baltic energy briefings and EU communications.