The introduction of a solidarity payment for fuel traders is necessary, stated the Ministry of Economy, commenting on the criticism expressed in the Saeima commissions during the consideration of the draft law.
At the same time, the ministry respects the opinions and objections expressed at the commission meetings, so discussions with industry representatives, social partners, and deputies will continue to find a balanced and economically justified solution.
To convince stakeholders of the necessity of this payment, the Ministry of Economy will continue working with partners and parliamentary committees, clarifying the purpose of the solidarity payment, its potential impact, and the expected benefits for society.
The Ministry of Economy emphasized that it is important to ensure an open dialogue with industry representatives and to reach a solution that simultaneously considers the interests of both entrepreneurs and society. Discussions on possible models of the solidarity payment and their implementation will continue in the near future.
Speaking about potential measures to reduce fuel prices, the ministry stated that the solidarity payment itself will not directly lower fuel prices for consumers; however, it will limit the desire of fuel companies to earn disproportionately high profits in a crisis situation. Other solutions are also being evaluated - a reduction in value-added tax and excise tax is being considered.
As reported, the draft law on the solidarity payment stipulates that it will apply in cases where the retail price of fuel exceeds the estimated price calculated by the Ministry of Economy by more than 3%, and in such a situation, traders will have to contribute 100% of the excess to the state budget.
It is planned that the law will be in effect until December 31, 2026, and the revenues will be used to strengthen the security of fuel supplies.
Business organizations and state institutions have submitted a number of objections to the draft law, and fuel traders do not support it, pointing to contradictions with the principles of a free market and potential legal risks.
