The Minister of Economic Affairs Jaris Vitenbergs said this on Tuesday after a cabinet meeting. He spoke of a “historic decision to strengthen Latvia’s energy security and independence”. Legislative amendments required for this still need to be approved by parliament.
To keep things warm in the future, the Latvian government has decided to build up a strategic stock of liquefied natural gas (LNG). It is stored in an underground reservoir in Incukalns, east of the capital Riga. The liquid gas will initially be obtained via the terminal in Lithuania.
Consultations are underway with Finland on a joint gas supply complex. Latvia is also planning to build its own LNG terminal. According to Vitenbergs, it can be delivered at the end of next year or early 2024.