Russia approved Minsk’s proposals for the supply of Russian oil. This was discussed during a meeting of the head of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, with the government of the republic, the agency Sputnik Belarus reports. The main topic of the meeting was the work of oil refineries (refineries).
“I ordered that the new proposals of the Russian Federation for the supply of hydrocarbon raw materials be considered. They came from the Russians three days ago. As I understand it, the Russians fully agreed to our proposals for the supply of oil? ” Asked Lukashenko.
The head of the presidential administration, Igor Sergeyenko, gave an affirmative answer. He noted that the proposals of Russia were considered at a meeting of the working group, which deals with the settlement of the issue of oil supplies to Belarus from Russia.
According to the BelTA agency, the fact that the conditions put forward by Russia take into account the proposals of Belarusian colleagues is spelled out in the report of the refinery of Belarus to the head of the republic.
The Belarusian leader called on the working group, which participated in the meeting in its entirety, not only to monitor the situation in the oil sector, but also to take measures to load the refinery. Such meetings, at which a working group led by Sergeyenko informs the head of state about the results of the work, are held every week.
Last year, Moscow and Minsk could not reach a consensus on the supply of Russian oil to Belarus. The main stumbling block was the price of fuel. The Belarusian side wanted to conclude an agreement on the terms of last year, but Russia did not agree. In addition, Minsk is not satisfied with the payment of premiums to Russian oil companies in the context of the implementation of the tax maneuver in Russia.
Disagreements led to the fact that from January 1, the supply of Russian oil to Belarusian refineries stopped. Of all the companies that supply oil to the republic, only Safmar did not stop cooperation, TASS notes.
Earlier, Belneftekhim announced that five Russian companies, in addition to the companies of the Safmar group, will begin to supply oil to Belarusian refineries at a market price, without requiring premiums. According to RIA Novosti, these deliveries began from the beginning of the month. According to the plan of the parties, in March of this year they should deliver a total of approximately 200 thousand tons. It is worth noting that Minsk intends to supply about 1 million tons of oil per month to its refineries in order to ensure the loading of refineries by 50%. To this end, the country’s authorities plan to use alternative sources of fuel supply.
Belarus began exploring options for oil supplies from other countries back in January of this year. In early March, Alexander Lukashenko noted that he had already received “a lot” of proposals for the supply and processing of oil in the country.
“I received a number of proposals for the supply of oil and refining in Belarus. Now, thank God, there are a lot of such proposals, ”said the head of the republic during a meeting with Chairman of the Belneftekhim Concern Andrei Rybakov and Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Nazarov.
One option is expected to be supplies from the United States. This issue, in particular, was discussed on February 1, when the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived in Minsk on a visit. There he held a meeting with the head of the country and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus Vladimir Makei.
Following the talks, Pompeo announced that US companies could provide Belarus with the necessary volumes of fuel at competitive prices. To do this, Minsk needs just nothing – to send a corresponding request to the United States, “the largest producer of energy resources in the world.”
Already in mid-March, the United States Secretary of State confirmed the readiness of the American side to deliver to Belarus.
“The Secretary of State confirmed the desire of American companies to immediately begin to sell oil to Belarus at competitive market prices. Secretary of State and Foreign Minister[Белоруссии]They also discussed the potential for increasing bilateral business ties, including plans for an independently organized high-level American trade delegation to come to Minsk later this year, ”said State Department spokesman Morgan Ortagus in a statement.
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