Russia waits for Minsk’s suggestions on solution of gas dispute

MOSCOW, Nov 29 (PRIME) -- Russia is waiting for Belarus’ proposals on settlement of a natural gas dispute until the end of Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich told reporters.

“We are waiting for proposals from our colleagues. They promised to send them to us until the end of this day,” he said.

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

After negotiations on October 7, Russia agreed to cut the 2016 gas price and outlined a plan of further reductions for the next few years for Belarus, while Minsk agreed to redeem its debt for past deliveries. Potupchik said on October 21 that the country planned to redeem its $281 million debt to Russia then, but Minsk is yet to redeem it.

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