Updated at 13:52,22-04-2024

'Gas War' is not far away

rg.ru

In late November - early December Belarus figures on an agreement with Gazprom to sell the remaining property of its 50% of the gas-transport concern Beltransgaz.

These are the results of the talks held recently in Minsk between the head of Gazprom Alexey Miller, the President Alexander Lukashenko and Prime Minister Mikhail Myasnikovich. But, Minsk again didn't manage to agree on Belarusian terms.

We remind, that Belarus proposes firstly to introduce from 2012 a discount factor for the Russian prices for gas deliveries up to 2015. And only after that, to process the deal on Beltransgaz.

Moscow, according to Belarusian sources, willing to discuss the price issue only after the contract to sale the remaining half of Beltransgaz shares is processed.

In addition, the parties haven't decided yet on the size of a discount factor for the price of Russian gas and on the terms of the discount. According to Belarusian sources, Minsk insists at the very least on 25-percent decrease in Russian gas prices: it will help Belarus to save $120 - 130 million per year.