Belarus expects last year’s Russian gas prices in 2010
GOMEL, 3 February (BelTA) – Belarus expects to come to terms with Gazprom to preserve the last year’s level of gas prices in 2010, Prime Minister of Belarus Sergei Sidorsky told media in Gomel on 3 February.
“We expect to achieve it taking into account the investment projects forwarded to the Russian company. If our proposal is interesting to Gazprom, the gas price will be as high as last year’s,” said Sergei Sidorsky. Belarus had prepared the proposals following instructions the presidents of the two countries gave at the session of the Supreme State Council in December 2009. Belarus is waiting for an answer from Russia now.
The Prime Minister noted that at present gas is pumped to Belarus without interruptions. Belarus paid for gas in 2009 in full and continues regularly paying for it this year. “I think we will come to terms with Gazprom about how we will pay for gas in 2010,” he added.
According to the Belarusian head of government, Gazprom stands by initial terms of the contract. The latter provides for supplying gas to Belarus with a 10% discount off the average European price this year. Taking into account falling gas prices on spot markets Belarus believes it will be possible to get a 25% discount.
Sergei Sidorsky specified that increasing the reduction factor for the gas price Belarus pays year after year is stipulated by the gas supply contract signed by Belarus and Gazprom. “When we created the joint venture, we had plans for gas industry development. In February 2010 after a regular payment of $625 million is transferred, Gazprom’s share in Beltransgaz will reach 50%,” remarked the head of government.
