Russia willing to meet Belarus' oil needs to the fullest

Russia would like to satisfy Belarus’ oil supply request in Q4 2013 to the fullest possible extent, Russia's Ambassador to Belarus Alexander Surikov told reporters on 10 October, BelTA has learnt.

“Russia is willing to meet Belarus' oil needs to the fullest extent but there are some other contractual obligations,” the diplomat said. According to him, these issues will be discussed by the two governments for the final decision concerning Q4 supplies.

Asked about the date of the talks Alexander Surikov said: “The Union State Council of Ministers is currently in limbo.” The Ambassador suggested that the session of this body will take place “some time in November.” He also stressed that the Belarusian and Russian sides have regular contacts to discuss oil supplies.

BelTA reported earlier that Belarus does not have a signed indicative balance for oil imports for the year 2013. Belarus and Russia have to agree on oil delivery figures every quarter. In Q1-2 2013 Belarus was granted the ability to get a total of 11.5 million tonnes of oil from Russia which equals 5.75 million tonnes every quarter. In Q3 2013 Belarus and Russia approved the delivery of 5.75 million tonnes, as much as in Q2 2013. How much oil Belarus will get in Q4 2013 is still open to debate. Russia offered Belarus 18.5 million tonnes of oil in 2013. However, Belarus was willing to get a total of 23 million tonnes.