Will we pay more for natural gas? “Gaso” explains the upcoming tariff changes

Due to the rise in natural gas prices, inflation, and increasing labor costs, AS “Gaso” has prepared a new draft for natural gas distribution tariffs, according to a notice in the official publication Latvijas Vēstnesis.

“Gaso” has submitted the proposed tariffs for public service provision in the natural gas distribution system to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), and these may take effect on January 1, 2026.

The company explains that the tariff changes are driven by a significant increase in natural gas prices, inflation-related labor cost increases, and a substantial drop in the volume of distributed gas, all of which have had a major impact on the company’s performance.

To ensure greater stability for natural gas users regarding potential changes in distribution service tariffs, while also maintaining the financial stability of the system operator, the new tariff proposal introduces a three-year regulatory period.

As before, the proposed tariffs include:

  • a fixed component, based on the allowed or declared load for the connection,

  • and a variable component, based on the volume of gas consumed.

The new tariff project retains seven variable tariff groups, with the variable part of the tariff applied based on the annual consumption volume of the specific property.

Key Changes:

  • Variable tariff: a reduction of 0.1% to 15.7%, depending on consumption.

  • Fixed tariff: an increase of 10.5% to 29.9%, depending on consumption.

Additionally, a new fixed fee category will be introduced: starting in 2026, the current fixed category for connections with a load of 0 to 6 cubic meters will be split into:

This division aims to more accurately distribute cost burdens between households using gas for heating and those using it primarily for cooking.

The project also includes a special seasonal tariff for users whose natural gas consumption from May to Novemberexceeds 85% of their annual usage, and stays below 15% during the remaining months. This tariff is designed to prevent disproportionate increases in distribution fees for such users.

To reduce the need for users to adjust or “manipulate” their usage patterns seasonally, two seasonal tariffs will be introduced, improving cost predictability.

For specialized tariff users, the rate will increase by 2.4% to 10.1%, depending on consumption.

Biogas Producers

Since two biomethane producers are already connected to the Gaso distribution network—and more are expected in the future—starting January 1, 2026, these producers will be charged a fixed tariff based on their maximum allowed input load. If a lower load is declared, the tariff will correspond to that declaration. No variable fee will apply for the amount of biomethane injected into the grid.

“Gaso” is the sole natural gas distribution system operator in Latvia. The company is responsible for the safety of the gas network, technical services, and metering of gas consumption. “Gaso” is considered a company of national strategic importance.