Belarus will export small volumes of oil products via Russian seaports, Belarus Deputy Prime Minister Uladzimir Syamashka told journalists on Wednesday.
“We have agreed to export small volumes of oil products providing the terms in the Russian ports are similar to those offered in the ports of other countries. We cannot afford to be philanthropists or sponsors,” state-run agency BelTA quotes him.
According to the top official, the transit of oil products via Russian seaports will put Belarus to expense.
“We have given proof ot it to our colleagues, and they have shown understanding for our situation. And there will be small pilot supplies upon condition that Belarus does not lose on it,” he said.
Syamashka removed the possibility of the massive redirection of oil products deliveries from Baltic seaports to Russian ones.
At the moment Belarus is transporting oil products produced from Russian raw materials mainly to the Baltic ports — Ventspils, Klaipeda, and Muuga. Moscow wants the products to be transported through the Russian ports, but for the Belarusian side it is unprofitable — the Baltic ports are closer and offer lower tariffs.
In August, Russian President Vladimir Putin actually proposed that Belarus use Russia’s infrastructure. He wanted it to be embedded in oil supply contracts.
Earlier, the Belarusian side expressed doubts about the economic attractiveness of this route and stated that it was not going to give up the Baltic direction.
belsat.eu
