Published: 11.02.2026.

The current severe winter conditions and the rapidly growing demand for heating fuel in Latvia have created a situation where there is a risk of shortages of wood pellets and other types of solid fuel. The Consumer Rights Protection Centre (CRPC) highly appreciates those traders who have introduced responsible sales restrictions to ensure that available supplies reach as many households as possible, while also preventing bulk buying and speculative price increases.

Following a survey conducted by CRPC involving five leading non-food retail chains and 15 regional traders (including pellet producers), it has been concluded that traders currently have no pellet stock reserves. Products are sold out as soon as they reach stores.

To limit the activities of resellers and ensure fair access to goods, 20% of traders have introduced purchase limits — including a 1-tonne limit per transaction, limits of 1–2 pallets (one pallet ≈ 975 kg), limits on the number of bags, and other restrictions.

According to CRPC’s observations, similar sales limits have also been introduced for other types of solid fuel, such as wood briquettes.

CRPC Director Zaiga Liepiņa stated: “We commend traders for introducing purchase limits on heating fuel per transaction to ensure that as many households as possible have sufficient supplies during this severe winter, and to prevent speculative resale practices. CRPC will continue to monitor the situation.”

CRPC Warns Consumers to Beware of Fraud

Consumers are urged to exercise caution and carefully verify information before purchasing heating fuel.

Check the seller carefully:

  • Verify whether complaints about the seller are available online;

  • Compare prices and be cautious if an offer appears suspiciously low.

Before making a payment:

  • Check product specifications and available quality certifications, including information on raw materials, calorific value, quality class, ash content, etc., and choose products with manufacturer-guaranteed quality (pellets of A1, A2 or B class);

  • Pay attention to the stated units of measurement (stacked cubic metre, cubic metre, loose cubic metre, pallet);

  • Whenever possible, choose payment upon delivery;

  • Verify the company’s registration details and business activities, ensuring that the company name matches its registration number.