Belarus to pay $166, $178 for natural gas in 2013, 2014

The official said negotiations with Russia had resulted in a principal agreement that gas prices for 2012 will be $165.6 per 1,000 cubic meters, down from $261.1 in 2011. Prices for 2013 and 2014 are supposed to be $166 and $178 respectively. Tariffs on gas transportation via Belarus will be determined by a regulating body every year according to the established procedure, BelTA reports.

Apart from the document the House of Representatives of the National Assembly also ratified the Belarusian-Russian intergovernmental agreement on conditions of selling shares and future operation of Beltransgaz company.

The conditions guarantee delivery of Russian gas in amounts sufficient to satisfy the domestic demand of Belarus. The documents also stipulate pricing procedures for natural gas deliveries to Belarus. The agreement will allow considerably reducing the price in comparison with the prices that were in effect before 25 November 2011. It will create the necessary conditions for improving the competitive ability of Belarusian products on the home market and abroad.

In line with the agreement the Russian side undertakes to keep the gas pipelines located in Belarus operating at full capacity. These documents also stipulate other matters regarding the organization of natural gas deliveries, development and exploitation of gas transport systems, determine conditions of Beltransgaz future operation, stipulate mutual guarantees for fulfilling the obligations and procedures to resolve disputes.

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