Belarus delays payment for Russian gas arrears
Belarus has delayed the payment for the Russian natural gas supplied in 2016. Беларусь дагэтуль не разлічылася з Расіяй за пастаўкі газу ў 2016 годзе. Belarus was due to settle the arrears in amount of $281 million to the Russian gas monopoly Gazprom by October 20. The arrears had accumulated over the differences in pricing, which Belarus considered 'fair' at $70 per 1000 cubic meters - not $132 as in the the contract.
On October 11, Belarusian Energy Minister Uladzimir Patupchyk told journalists that the arrears would be settled by October 20. On October 19, Belarus' National Bank chief Pavel Kalaur said the country had money and there would be no problem with the wire. Today, it is five days after deadline but Gazprom is yet to see the money.
The Russian gas giant and Russia's Energy Ministry declined to comment to Euroradio. Belarus Finance Ministry advised to approach Belarusian Emergy Ministry.
Belarusian Energy Ministry's spokeswoman Zhana Ziankevich told Euroradio there were no news about the payment: "We have heard nothing yet. It means the payment is yet to be made."
Belarus found itself in a similar situation back in 2007 when it had to settle the indebted $266 million by August 10. It is very probable that back then the money was taken from the country's gold and foreign currency reserve in order to settle the debt.
