Belarus says talks on Russian gas price continue

MINSK, Aug 26 (PRIME) -- Negotiations about the price for Russian natural gas for Belarus have not been completed, Vladislav Sychevish, spokesman for Belarusian Prime Minister Andrei Kobyakov, told PRIME on Friday.

“The negotiations of the gas price are going on,” he said.

Earlier on Friday, Kommersant business daily reported citing sources that Moscow and Minsk have preliminary agreed that the price will fall to U.S. $100 per 1,000 cubic meters from about $132, and Belarus will redeem its debt. They also agreed that a ruble-denominated pricing formula will replace the U.S. dollar–denominated plan.

In July, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said Belarus owes Russian gas giant Gazprom $270 million. Gazprom said Minsk underpays the company for gas, while Belarusian Energy Minister Vladimir Potupchik said that the fair price would amount to $73 per 1,000 cubic meters instead of $132.77. Minsk did not acknowledge the debt.

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