Prices for gas become classified

During discussions in the "chamber of representatives" over the budget, Finance Minister has not told the price of Russian gas for Belarus next year.

Today at the special session "deputies" of the "chamber of representatives" the budget of the Social Protection of the Population Fund for 2011 was passed in two readings. The issue of assigning the date for the presidential elections has not been considered. In a week the documents adopted in the first reading would be considered by the "deputies" in the second reading. Observers do not exclude that the date of elections would be announced on September 14m Radio Svaboda informs.

The draft budget for 2011 was presented to "deputies" by Finance Minister Andrei Kharkavets. After his report the chairman of the international commission of the "chamber" Syarhei Maskevich asked the minister what gas prices had become the basis of the main financial document of the country. At that moment all journalists at once exchanged looks. Yesterday they were trying to obtain the answer for this question from the minister. But Kharkavets has not named a single figure, referring to the fact that gas talks are at the initial stage.

And that's what the minister answered to "deputies" today:

"The talks have just started. We understand that it is rather difficult to forecast this index number today. We have factored in its rather high growth. But we also understand that if necessary we can redistribute part of allocations in favour of this or that budget item, which should be changed on the basis of the results of final approval for this price".

Syarhei Maskevich tried to clarify:

"But the prices on which the budget s based are lower than the prices at world markets, aren't they?"

The minister answered:

"Mr Maskevich, in any case we would adjust the budget in a way to prevent unpleasant moments for Belarusian economy at the expense of the budget. I guarantee this to you".

As for the price for Russian gas, Andrei Kruglov, Deputy Chairman of the Management Committee of Gazprom recently stated that in 2011 Gazprom plans to completely transit to market prices in settlement of accounts with Belarus, Moldova and Armenia.

The head of "Strategia" analytical centre Leanid Zaika expressed an opinion that next year a hundred of cubic metres of Russian gas would cost $300 to Belarus.

Source: Charter'97 :: News from Belarus