Category Archives: Lithuania

Lithuania: Vilnius taken unawares by Belaruskali’s agreement with Lithuanian Railways

Lithuania’s transport minister has asked the government commission vetting strategic companies’ deals to evaluate the existing contract between Lithuanian Railways and the Belarusian fertilizer producer Belaruskali. The state-owned railway company continues to transport Belaruskali products even as US sanctions come into force. Lithuanian Railways said that it had received pre-payment from Belaruskali and would continue…

Lithuania: more people made eligible for heating subsidies

The Lithuanian parliament has passed new legislation to make more people eligible for heating subsidies in an effort to cushion low-income households against an expected surge in heating bills. The parliament, Seimas, adopted the amendments to the Law on Cash Social Assistance for Low-Income Families on December 7 with 117 votes in favour, none against…

Lithuania: politicians call for language tests for foreign workers

Lithuanian politicians have proposed harmonising language requirements for all foreigners working in the country’s service sector. Currently, only those with employment contracts must take the Lithuanian language exam. But self-employed foreigners say the exam is unnecessary and would be hard to pass for some. Beardland, a barbershop in Vilnius, employs only foreigners. None of them…

Lithuania: “monstrous” inflation threatens savings and wage gains

Inflation not seen since before the 2009 crash is raising alarm among Lithuanian consumers and economists. Lithuania reported a 9.3% annual inflation in November, the highest rate in the euro zone, according to Eurostat, where it averaged 4.9%. It is likely, that Lithuania will end the year with double-digit annual inflation. “Inflation this monstrous was…

Lithuania: regulator sets higher gas and electricity rates for households

Natural gas prices for Lithuanian households are to rise by 27-36% from January 2022. The National Energy Regulatory Council (VERT) set the final gas prices for the customers of Ignitis, the state-controlled energy company. The parliament has recently passed a package of laws to mitigate the impact of soaring energy prices on consumers. The measures…

Lithuania: major supermarkets to close on Christmas

Lithuania’s major supermarket chains say they will not work on December 25 and many will cut working hours during the holiday period. The majority of supermarkets will also be closed on January 1, 2022 although some Iki or Rimi stores will stay open with shorter opening hours. On December 31, Iki, Norfa and Lidl stores…

Lithuania: average wage up in Q3 2021

Average labor income in Lithuania grew by 161 euros, or by 11.4% YoY in the third quarter, to 1,572 euros before tax, according to figures presented on November 25 by Lithuania’s Social Insurance Fund Board, Sodra. Meanwhile, labor income after tax increased by 95 euros, or by 10.5 %, to 998 euros. In August, average…