Belarus, Russia exploring ways to cancel export duties on oil products for Belarus

Belarus and Russia are considering various mechanisms to cancel export duties on oil products for Belarus, First Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus Vladimir Semashko told reporters, BelTA has learned.

"There are various mechanisms. I think that the most important thing here is that we have reached a fundamental agreement on this," said Vladimir Semashko and added that this is a very important issue for Belarus.

Vladimir Semashko recalled that earlier the Presidents of Belarus and Russia agreed "not to look beyond 2015 as the situation is changing rapidly.” Given the circumstances, in 2015 the parties will decide on the mechanism to allow Belarus to keep the export duties on oil products. "It would be absolutely right if such an exemption were abolished," Vladimir Semashko said. As for the equal access to the gas pipeline system, Vladimir Semashko noted: “The current formula is as follows: equal access is granted once the parties reach economically rational prices for domestic gas consumption.” The First Vice Premier added that this time may come earlier than 2025.