BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

03/01/2010

No more preferential terms for oil in Belarus

Since Russia and Belarus have failed to agree on a price for oil supplies in 2010, from January 1, Minsk will supposedly get oil on general terms, which means full payment of customs duties.

In 2009, Belarus enjoyed duty-free prices for oil and its derivatives, intended both for domestic use and transit. But now Russia says only oil for domestic consumption can be exempt from duties - a stance Belarus is strongly opposed to. On December 31, during talks in Moscow, the Russian government proposed this option to Minsk, which was declined.

As a result, with no agreement signed, starting Friday Belarus should pay 100 per cent of the customs fees attracted.

Moscow says it has informed their partners of the new terms. At the same time the Russian government is ready to negotiate its offer and has invited a Belarusian delegation to Moscow in January for this purpose.

Minsk, however, is unhappy with Russia's stance, and is accusing it of undermining the principles of the Customs Union between Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan.

Meanwhile, oil flows to Belarusian refineries have been suspended, Reuters reports on Sunday, quoting unnamed traders from Russian oil producers.

Source:

http://rt.com/Top_News/2010-01-03/belarus-russia-oil-prices.html


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