Vitenbergs: pellet shortage peak may be over, ministry points to housing benefit
Climate and Energy Minister Jānis Vitenbergs says he hopes last winter's wood pellet shortage and price spike will not repeat this heating season, as availability improves and prices decline. Households struggling with heating costs are urged to apply for housing benefits early.
As the new heating season approaches, households that rely on wood pellets are asking whether last winter's supply and price problems will return. Climate and Energy Minister Jānis Vitenbergs, speaking on TV24's "Uz līnijas," expressed cautious optimism that the worst of the pellet shortage is behind us.
Prices and supply improving
Last season, pellet prices at times exceeded 400 euros per tonne, with deliveries sometimes delayed by several months. Vitenbergs said the situation now looks more favorable, with online listings already offering pellets below 300 euros per tonne — still higher than the lowest prices seen before, but a clear improvement. He suggested that households, having learned from last winter's shortages in January, February and March, are now trying to avoid repeating the same mistakes.
Ministry's response
To address the earlier crisis, the ministry engaged in market oversight, asking the Competition Council and the Consumer Rights Protection Centre to review possible violations, and held talks with pellet producers. Vitenbergs noted that one driver of last year's shortage was households stockpiling pellets out of fear of further price increases or shortages, which in turn pushed demand even higher.
Housing benefit available
The minister reminded the public of the housing benefit, which can help cover heating costs for those struggling with current pellet prices. Households facing difficulty paying housing-related expenses can apply through their municipality's social service, and eligibility is not limited to those officially classified as low-income or needy — anyone whose income is insufficient to cover a specific heating bill can apply. The benefit amount is calculated individually based on household income, number of members, and total housing expenses. The Welfare Ministry encourages people to seek help early rather than wait until debts accumulate, both before bills arrive and once an unpayable bill has been received.
