Latvian ministry: there is no reason to declare state of emergency in energy sector

There is no reason to declare a state of emergency in the energy sector – the situation is stable, according to Latvian Ministry of Economics.
The ministry’s representatives say that the Saeima has opened the Energy Law, and it already includes the section approved by Saeima’s National Economy Committee, prohibiting imports of natural gas from Russia. Because the legislative process relies on the Saeima, the ministry does not see what declaring a state of emergency would change.
The Ministry of Economics stresses that declaration of a state of emergency would cause panic in society.
Previously chairman of Saeima faction of Attīstībai/Par! Juris Pūce suggested declaring an energy crisis, because this would potentially allow the Cabinet of Ministers to outline energy supply priorities, as well as terminate legally signed private contracts for gas supplies and other energy sector-related segments.
It was also reported that the Ministry of Economics continues talks with Estonia and Finland to ensure gas supplies from the soon to be finished Paldiski LNG terminal in Estonia. Supplies of liquefied gas will continue from Klaipeda LNG terminal.
Parties forming the coalition reached a conceptual agreement on the construction of an LNG terminal in Latvia, as previously reported by Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš. The PM said the Ministry of Economics received an order to work with potential investors in order to pick the one most suitable to build the terminal.
On 6 April Economic, Agricultural, Environmental and Regional Policy Committee supported the proposal to outline in the Energy Law a ban on procurement of natural gas from Russia. For the legislative draft to come to force, it needs to be passed in the second and third readings by the committee responsible for this sector and the Saeima.