Sergei Kupriyanov (file photo) (ITAR-TASS)
December 26, 2006 -- Russian gas monopoly Gazprom has said Belarus could be risking its gas supplies in January if it refuses to agree to conditions on a price increase.
Gazprom spokesman Sergei Kupriyanov said on December 25 that Belarus is insisting on maintaining the price it currently pays. He said the Belarusian demand is "irresponsible and threatens Belarus' energy supplies."
Gazprom has said it wants Belarus to pay $200 per 1,000 cubic meters of gas, or four times the current price.
Kupriyanov says Russia will also agree to Belarus paying $80 per 1,000 cubic meters of gas, if it transfers 50 percent of its state-run gas company to Gazprom.
(AP, Interfax)
How Much Do The Neighbors Pay?
How Much Do The Neighbors Pay?
SETTING THE RATES: With Gazprom negotiating new contracts, many states will be paying more for Russian natural gas in 2007.
- Belarus, following tense negotiations with Gazprom, will pay $100 per 1,000 cubic meters in -- up from $47 in 2006. Ukraine, which depends on Russia to supply it with about 77 percent of its gas, will pay $130 per 1,000 cubic meters of a Turkmen-Russian gas mix. Moldova, which depends on Russia for 100 percent of its gas, will pay $170 per 1,000 cubic meters, with the price rising to European-level market price by 2011. Georgia has agreed to pay Gazprom $235 per 1,000 cubic meters of gas.