Russia, Belarus Reach Agreement On Gas Deliveries

8 June 2004 -- Russia and Belarus today signed several agreements on gas deliveries, resolving a long-standing dispute.
Russia's Gazprom gas monopoly released the details after the agreements were signed in Minsk. The deal states that Gazprom will sell gas to Belarus for 38 euros ($47) per 1,000 cubic meters, approximately the same as for the other former Soviet republics, as Gazprom had demanded. Previously, it had sold gas to Belarus at the subsidized price of 23 euros.

In turn, Russia agreed on a favorable rate to pay Belarus to transport gas through its main pipeline network.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov said the agreement creates good conditions for cooperation in the gas industry.

The dispute over gas deliveries prompted Gazprom in February to halt all exports to Belarus.

(AFP)