Minister for Economics Atis Kampars

The reduction of gas price will definitely be arranged with the Russian company Gazprom , sooner or later, but it must be accomplished, believes the Minister for Economics Atis Kampars.

It is possible to do nothing and say that there is no other option, to remain the same, and complain all together; however, I, as a politician, am interested in achieving results. It is currently in the process, although it is true that, at the moment, Gazprom is the only gas supplier in Latvia, Kampars pointed out in an interview for LNT TV broadcast 900 sekundes.

Gazprom is interested in Latvia and we have some long-term arguments with which we can dispute the necessity to lower gas price – the European and other countries’ practice, where several countries are already discussing about another type of source, and, if an agreement is not reached, we have to search more intensively for another way to get these gas sources, said the Minister.

As far as he is concerned, both parties have their own needs and necessities, and, in this particular situation, we must not lose the hope. Gazprom requires long-term consumption and development, which is important for any company, although, naturally, Latvia is not the largest market.

The only thing that we can do is to create a normal partnership; both parties can agree on the price, and how much the inhabitants are able to pay for the gas. If they are not be able to pay, they will not do it. We will definitely get the price lower, although Gazprom told that they will not change it.  We still will achieve it, believes Kampars.

He adds that, at the moment, they have reached the second phase – the offer exchange – we have several ideas how to change this formula, and in a few weeks Gazprom’s standpoint will be known.

On the other hand, when asked about one of the largest Chinese air company Haiman Airlines interest in national company airBaltic, Kampars, stressed that the Chinese airline’s needs and interests are heard out, but the government has not yet started any actions.

At the present moment, there are debates on the possibility to put airBaltic up for sale, this can and should be discussed, but what matters the most is to hold a tender and not give away the national airline to the first purchaser. There should be tenders, although it is not yet known if there will be many applicants, told Kampars.