Putin reveals Belarus gas transit payment details
Gazprom has paid $650 million for the transit of the Russian natural gas, the Russian news agency Interfax quotes Russia's prime minister Vladimir Putin as saying. Putin said Russia has been assisting Belarus a lot financially -- $1,5 billion in 2007; $1 billion in late 2008; $500 million in early 2009. According to Putin, Russia has issued a total of $1,150 million to Belarus this year.
The Russian premier also noted that Belarus gets crude oil at low cost from Russia, processes it and sells in the West with high profit margins. The money received from the exports of the petrpochemcial products allows Belarus to subsidize its agricultural sector, Putin said.
The Russian premier also noted that Belarus gets crude oil at low cost from Russia, processes it and sells in the West with high profit margins. The money received from the exports of the petrpochemcial products allows Belarus to subsidize its agricultural sector, Putin said.
