Belarus gets gas from Russia 7-10 times cheaper than in European spot markets – Putin

<p> MINSK, Nov 4 - PrimePress. Belarus has been receiving Russian gas at prices that are three or four times lower compared to long-term contracts with third countries, and 7-10 times lower than in the European spot markets, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday at a meeting of the Supreme State Council of the Union State of Russia and Belarus. </p> <p>   </p> <p> The meeting was held by teleconference on 4 November. </p> <p>   </p> <p> Putin noted that the decree of the Supreme State Council (SSC) of the Union State of Belarus and Russia “On the guidelines for Implementing the Union State Treaty in 2021-2023” covers 28 sectoral Union programmes aimed at a coordinated macroeconomic strategy, implementation of common taxation principles, which is extremely important, implementation of common policies in credit and finance, banking, industry and agriculture, the agreed regulation of joint markets of oil, gas, electricity and transport services. </p> <p>   </p> <p> The adoption of the integration programs of Russia and Belarus will open up broad prospects for the progressive development of their economies, said Putin. </p> <p>   </p> <p> He noted that the implementation of sectoral integration programs “will allow Russia and Belarus to create equal, unified conditions for doing business.” </p> <p>   </p> <p> "The economies of the two countries will begin to operate on the basis of common, agreed rules and norms, which will open up new, really broad prospects for their progressive development and give a great positive effect, which can be felt by all industries without exception," said Putin. </p> <p>   </p> <p> Referring to the topic of gas, Putin said: “You are aware what is happening on oil and gas markets around the world now. Currently, the Republic of Belarus is receiving gas from Russia seven, eight, or even - at times - nine, ten times cheaper than in European spot markets," he stressed. </p> <p>   </p> <p> "And even in comparison with the supplies to our consumers under Gazprom’s long-term contracts, it is three or four times cheaper," the said Putin. </p> <p>   </p> <p> He stressed that Russia is Belarus’ main business partner. “Our country accounts for almost half of the Belarusian foreign trade turnover; we are in first place in terms of direct investments in the Belarusian economy - it is about $4 billion, there are about 2,400 Russian companies working in Belarus. In turn, Belarus ranks first among our trade partners in the CIS and fourth in the world, with a share of about 5% in trade turnover,” said Putin. </p> <p>   </p> <p> As previously reported, Presidents of Belarus and Russia Alexander Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin, at a meeting in Moscow on 9 September 2021, reconciled all 28 union programmes to deepen integration between the two countries. On 10 Sep 2021 the Council of Ministers of the Union State approved the 2021-2023 guidelines for the implementation of the provisions of the Treaty on the Creation of the Union State and 28 Union State programmes aimed to accomplish major aspects of strengthening Russia-Belarus integration. A decree of the Supreme State Council of the Union State to approve the 28 union programmes was signed by Putin and Lukashenko on 4 Nov 2021. End </p>

2021-11-05

Primepress