Lithuania heating costs projected to rise by up to 25 percent

Heating costs in Lithuania are expected to rise significantly this season. According to forecasts from the National Energy Regulatory Council (VERT), average heating prices could be approximately 22 to 25 percent higher than last year.

This increase poses a financial risk to residents, potentially leading to higher rates of debt. Data from Creditinfo Lietuva indicates that during heating months, new debts to heat suppliers typically increase by 35 to 47 percent compared to summer months. While delayed utility payments do not directly impact credit scores, the resulting credit rating downgrades can have long-lasting effects.

Creditinfo Lietuva reports that since the 2022–2023 season, the average number of debtors has grown by 25.8 percent, while the average total unpaid debt has increased by 17 percent. Although the total number of debtors was slightly lower at the start of the current season compared to last year, the number of active debts per debtor has risen.