Due to 'climate indecision' in Latvia, fuel prices will rise in the coming years 0 15

By 2030, one third of fossil fuels must be replaced by renewable energy sources. Politicians, fearing public discontent over rising fuel prices, have postponed measures to 'green' transportation until the last moment.

Is it possible to achieve the set goals while keeping fuel prices reasonable?

Currently, refueling with more environmentally friendly, yet more expensive fuel is a choice for each driver. The only thing that cannot be avoided is the mandatory additives made from renewable resources. Their share is small - about 7%. However, in the coming years, the situation will change rapidly, and the price of fuel, especially diesel, will approach that of the most expensive - hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO).

These changes will affect everyone, as prices for agricultural products and goods on store shelves also depend on fuel, primarily diesel. This turn of events cannot be prevented. It could have been prepared for at least five years in advance, but Latvian politicians postponed it until the last moment.

Europe, including Latvia, has committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050. This means that greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced to a level that can be compensated by natural absorption mechanisms, such as forests, as well as various technological solutions. The path to this goal is divided into several stages. The year 2030 will be an important interim stage when the European Commission will assess whether countries have fulfilled their promises.

Of all emissions, the largest share - 97% - comes from road transport. More than two-thirds are attributed to passenger cars. Although ministers and politicians love to talk about increasing the number of electric vehicles and government support for their purchase, the benefits are still minimal. Only wealthy families can afford to buy new electric cars, and even used ones remain too expensive for most drivers.