Belarusian pipeline operator, Beltransgaz, and Russian gas monopoly, Gazprom, signed an additional agreement to the contract on gas transit, according to which, the cost for pumping one thousands cubic meters of gas per 100 kilometers of Belarus' territory will amount to 1.88 dollars.
As Beltransgaz CEO, Vladimir Mayorov, reported, this transit rate would be implemented in 2010, BelTA informs. «Now the parties are carrying out a final reconciliation of payments», the head of Belarusian company said.
As Telegraf previously reported by, in Gazprom affirm that under the contract, used till July 1, Belarus may increase the transit rate up to 1.88 dollars for pumping one thousand cubic meters of gas per one hundred kilometers only with simultaneous increase in wholesale prices for «blue fuel» for Belarusian consumers.
Gazprom repaid Belarus the debt for gas transit of 228 million dollars so far, however, Minsk believes that Russia should pay 260 million dollars (based on the pumping rate of 1.88 dollar). On June 25, the president of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, gave Gazprom two days to pay off the rest of the debt and promised to block the transit of Russian gas and oil to Europe otherwise. Subsequently, Gazprom acknowledged the rest of the debt, and the transit through Belarus was not blocked.
