BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS
DATE:
07/02/2008
Minsk hopes for better price for Russian gas in Q2
MINSK. Feb 7 (Interfax) - Belarus hopes the price for Russian gas in the second quarter of 2008 will be bearable for the Belarusian economy, Belarusian First Vice Premier Vladimir Semashko told Interfax.
"Our price forecasts for the second quarter are quite favorable," he said.
The price has not been ultimately fixed yet, he said, adding that negotiations were still under way.
Beginning January 1, 2008, the price for Belarus was raised by just $19.5 for 1,000 cubic meters of gas, while it was raised for Ukraine by $49.5 and for Moldova by $50, Semashko said.
These figures inspire optimism regarding the outcome of gas talks with Russia, he said.
The financial economic situation of Belarusian oil refineries has stabilized, he said.
"In January 2008, their efficiency increased threefold compared to January 2007," the first vice premier said.
He described the current processes in the domestic oil refining industry as "normal."
Source:
http://www.interfax.com/3/362586/news.aspx
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