Latvia allocates 578,307 euros to cover emergency service fuel costs

Latvia’s government has approved an additional 578,307 euros for the Emergency Medical Assistance Service to cover rising fuel costs, LSM reported. The funding will help maintain emergency medical response and availability levels through the end of the year.

The service had initially been allocated 2.24 million euros for fuel in 2026. The Health Ministry said additional funding was needed because of higher fuel prices.

According to Central Statistical Bureau data, diesel prices have risen by 10 percent compared with the same period last year, while petrol prices have increased by 11.3 percent.

The Health Ministry said fuel is a critically important resource for the service because it directly affects the mobility of its crews and their ability to reach patients promptly throughout the country.

Last year, emergency medical crews responded to more than 332,000 calls and travelled more than 13.5 million kilometres.

The funding will be allocated to the Health Ministry from the state budget programme for unforeseen expenses.

Fuel prices have been driven higher by geopolitical developments around the world. The government is considering measures that could reduce fuel prices by as much as 20 cents per litre, including lowering the excise duty to the minimum permitted by the European Union.