Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda recently expressed his concerns regarding the proposal to impose caps on fuel prices, describing such measures as typically associated with governments gearing up for elections. In his remarks during an interview with LRT television, he highlighted that administrative price limitations without subsidies would ultimately lead to shortages of fuel at gas stations. Nausėda pointed out that while governments might temporarily afford to subsidize prices, the financial burden would be significant over the long term.

The President advocates for targeted support to specific business sectors and demographics rather than a broad measure like tax reductions, which he believes may not yield the intended positive results. This stance is in light of the unique economic resilience Lithuania has maintained since 2020, during which the country has not experienced a significant economic downturn, even amidst various global challenges.

In contrast, economist A. Romanovskis argues for lowering excise duties as an effective strategy in economic crises, referencing the actions taken by other countries in 2022. This debate reflects varying approaches to economic management in Lithuania and highlights the delicate balance the government must maintain when addressing public sentiments while ensuring economic stability and growth.