BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS
DATE:
17/06/2009
Gazprom Says It Wants $230 Million From Belarus
MOSCOW (AFP)--Russian energy monopoly OAO Gazprom (GAZP.RS) is seeking $230 million in payments from the Belarus gas company Beltransgaz, a Gazprom spokesman said Wednesday.
Twenty percent of Russian gas destined for Europe passes through Belarus.
"Gazprom has sent a letter to Beltransgaz claiming payment for gas delivered between January and April," spokesman Denis Ignatiev said.
The Interfax news agency, citing a Russian diplomat in Belarus, said the bill had to be paid by June 23, a date that wasn't confirmed by the spokesman.
Relations between Russia and Belarus have been under strain in recent weeks in response to a trade dispute and Belarus' desire to move closer to western Europe.
The trade dispute, sparked by a Russian decision to ban certain dairy exports from Belarus, has now been resolved, according to Russian officials, and exports should resume on Thursday.
Russia has frequently been accused of using its position as a big energy exporter to pressure its neighbors.
The worst crisis erupted in January when a row over prices with Ukraine caused a two-week interruption in Russian gas shipments to Europe in the midst of a bitter cold snap.
Source:
Archive
Subscribe Daily Newsletter:
Belarus News and Analysis Donate:
