Consumers to benefit with lower energy bills

VILNIUS - Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevicius says that Lithuanian consumers are expected to pay 10-20 percent less for heating this season because of the adjustments due to the previous overpayment to the Russian gas giant Gazprom and the related rebate, reports ELTA.
Although calculations on price reductions have been completed, the final say is up to the National Commission for Energy Control and Prices. A 20 percent discount on gas has been applied to heat producers since May 1; they now have to calculate heating prices by Jan. 1.

“Based on our calculations heating prices should drop by 10-20 percent. However, figures have to be given for every municipality separately. That is what is being done, but there can be no talk about 8-7 percent [reductions] because our experts have the figures,” the prime minister said in an interview to Ziniu Radijas on Sept. 25.
According to Butkevicius, the reduction of heating prices from Jan. 1, 2013 to July 1, 2014 will be applied from 2015. Then the liquefied natural gas terminal will be operational and Lithuanian markets will all have the same gas price.
Commenting on speculation that the VAT exemption on district heating may be revoked, the prime minister said the question was premature.

The daily Verslo Zinios reported on Sept. 25 that the 9 percent exemption on heating may be lifted in the budget for 2015.