Authorities Scrupled To Raise Tariffs For Russian Gas Transit

The Belarusian side seems to hint at raising the white flag in the oil and gas “war” with Russia.

The Ministry of antimonopoly regulation and trade of Belarus explained the resolution on increase of tariffs for gas transportation through the territory of Belarus published on October 7.

According to the resolution, the new tariff for the transportation of gas through the Beltoplivogaz pipes is Br13,22 per 1000 m³. If earlier the rate with the value-added tax amounted to about $ 8, now it is approximately equal to 8.2 dollars.

But not for gas from Russia:

“This decision has nothing to do with the transit transportation of Russian natural gas through the main pipeline on the territory of Belarus,” – the press service of the Ministry informed.

Radio Svaboda journalists didn't get a chance to find out the tariffs for Russia in the Ministry of Trade press service. The text of the decree says nothing on special conditions for Russia.

In the meantime, Belarus was going to increase by 50% the tariff for oil transportation (including Russia) from 11 October. But the Russian side did not agree to such an increase, threatened with a legal claim and proposed to hold a meeting on the tariffs for oil transit.