Lithuanian politicians are set to investigate the recent surge in diesel prices, which have risen by nearly 30 cents per liter since early February, significantly higher than the European Union average. Simon Gentvilas, a member of the Liberal Movement and the Environmental Protection Committee, has raised concerns that retailers may have exploited the ongoing conflict in Iran to manipulate the fuel market. This has prompted lawmakers to summon responsible authorities to provide explanations for the stark price differences.

Data from the European Commission indicates that while fuel prices have seen a slight increase in other EU countries like Slovenia and Slovakia, the rise in Lithuania is alarming. The base price for diesel fuel in these neighboring countries increased by only about 2 cents per liter during the same period. This disparity has spurred a group of liberal lawmakers to organize a conference in Seimas, where they will address issues of competition in the fuel market and examine how such price dynamics can occur.

Among the participants in the upcoming conference are prominent figures such as Vice Minister of Energy Gabrielius Gorbačevskis and the Director of the Lithuanian Energy Agency, Agnė Bagočiūtė, alongside the head of the Competition Council, Jolanta Ivanauskienė. This investigation will not only question the current fuel pricing but also aims to set a precedent for assessing market conduct and ensuring fair competition in Lithuania’s fuel trade.