Russian, Belarusian Deputy PMs sign protocol on coop in oil sphere

GORKI, Moscow Region, May 24 (PRIME) -- Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak and his Belarusian counterpart Igor Lyashenko have signed a protocol on cooperation in the oil sphere following a meeting between Prime Ministers Dmitry Medvedev and Sergei Rumas, Medvedev’s spokesman Oleg Osipov told reporters on Friday.

“Kozak and Lyashenko have signed a protocol on discussion of cooperation in the oil sphere,” he said.

The document envisages creation of a working group that will elaborate on additional deliveries of up to 200,000 tonnes of oil to Belarus’ Naftan refinery in June, until May 29.

The working group will also develop the methodology of damage evaluation concerning the situation with the Druzhba oil pipeline, until June 10.

The problem with the quality of oil coming from Russia to Europe across Belarus via the Druzhba pipeline appeared in mid-April. As oil contaminated with chlorides moved through the pipes, Poland stopped receiving crude from Druzhba on April 24, and Ukraine on April 25. Good-quality oil started coming from Russia to Belarus on May 2.

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