Parliament speaker: measures to mitigate spike in prices should not set precedent

“Those measures should not set a dangerous precedent or become a precedent of market regulation. However, some measures that could help those people who need that help the most will be discussed and are likely to be approved,” she told the LRT Radio.

According to the proposals put forward by the Energy Ministry, energy price hikes will be curtailed starting next January, with the difference to be covered over five years.

The price of electricity for consumers who have not yet chosen an independent supplier will rise by up to 21 percent from January. Natural gas prices will increase by up to 20 percent (instead of currently projected 51 percent) for consumers using natural gas for cooking and by up to 30 percent (instead of 83 percent) for those using it for heating.

“These figures mean that the effect of the spike will be mitigated and we have been saying from the very beginning that we will take measures to help mitigate the spike reflecting the global trends,” Cmilyte-Nielsen said.

The government will on Wednesday discuss legislative amendments regulating the spread of the increase in electricity and natural gas prices for household users over the next five years. The amendments would also allow pushing back the deadline for the second group of consumers to choose their independent electricity supplier by six months.

Amendments to the Law on Energy Resources Market, on Natural Gas and on Electricity have been drafted in response to a recent surge in prices for energy resources.