Amendments by the Ministry of Economics (EM), supported by the government, have yet to be seen at the Saeima.
Vitenbergs described this decision as a historic event for strengthening Latvia's energy security and independence. The amendments to the law, which provides for Latvia's withdrawal of Russian natural gas, will now be submitted to the Saeima.
In order to further secure the required gas volumes, the government also decided to build LNG reserves of two terawatt-hours at Inčukalns' underground gas storage facilities. Negotiations are also ongoing with Estonia and Finland on LNG supplies from the Paldiski terminal.
Vitenbergs explained that the first step for Latvia to opt out of using Russia's natural gas is to agree with Finland and Estonia that Latvia will be able to receive additional gas from the Paldiski terminal until it builds its own gas terminal.
