Auziņš warns of an expensive winter as energy prices keep climbing

Businessman and actor Ivars Auziņš told TV24's talk show "Preses klubs" that this winter will be financially difficult for residents, as energy prices continue to rise. He said the trend will affect every household and is also likely to influence overall inflation.

Winners and losers

While ordinary residents will feel higher costs directly, Auziņš noted that major energy companies will likely keep posting strong profits. He also expects the state budget to benefit, since rising prices bring in more revenue through value-added tax and excise duties. In his view, one of the key challenges ahead will be finding a way to shield lower-income residents from the impact of these rising costs.

Personal responsibility and changing habits

Auziņš stressed that people themselves have a role to play, suggesting that higher costs could push consumers to rethink their spending and cut back on less essential purchases. He was also critical of Latvians' heavy use of dietary supplements, saying the country leads in this kind of consumption. At the same time, he pointed out that Latvia still has a significant food surplus and that overall living standards remain reasonably good — but rising costs will likely force people to be more careful with both food and energy use at home.

Auziņš expressed hope that the situation would not become so severe that people would need to give up familiar habits altogether, such as eating out at restaurants.