After the storm: nearly 90% of Latvia's fuel stations lack backup generators, communications held only hours

A recent storm exposed how quickly a power outage can paralyze communications, fuel supply and water services across Latvia. An investigation by Latvian Television's "De facto" programme found that the state has so far never set unified minimum requirements for how long mobile network operators and fuel stations must be able to operate without electricity.

Lack of backup capacity

Data compiled by the Crisis Management Centre shows that nearly 90% of Latvia's fuel stations are not equipped with a built-in generator that would allow them to keep operating during a power cut. This means the vast majority of the fuel station network shuts down as soon as electricity is lost, creating additional risks for residents and emergency services that depend on fuel access during a crisis.

A similar gap was found in mobile communications: without external power, the most critical network nodes can only sustain operations for a few hours, far short of what would be needed during a longer outage.

State weighs new requirements

Following the storm's aftermath, state institutions are now evaluating specific requirements for the resilience of critical infrastructure. One proposal under discussion is designating a predetermined network of fuel stations, shops and pharmacies that must remain operational during a crisis regardless of power supply. At the same time, officials are discussing a requirement that the most important communication network nodes be able to run autonomously for at least 72 hours.

Implementing such requirements would mean companies operating fuel stations and communications infrastructure would need to invest in backup power sources to ensure service continuity during extreme weather or other emergencies.