MINSK, 17 November (BelTA) – Belarus is ready to import up to 24 million tonnes of Russian oil in 2020, Belarus' Deputy Prime Minister Igor Lyashenko told the media on 17 November, BelTA has learned.
“Our traditional annual balances are 24 million tonnes of oil. We are ready to take 24 million tonnes if Russia agrees. This is a process of joint work. We are ready to consider from 18 million tonnes to 24 million tonnes, depending on the compensation regimes," said Igor Lyashenko.
When asked about the possibility of oil supplies from Kazakhstan, the vice premier stressed that when the tax maneuver is completed, the Russian oil price for Belarus will approach the price Russia offers on the global market. Therefore, there should be a certain percentage of alternative oil in the balance.
“We will of course use Kazakhstan's oil if it has a difference with the Russian oil price. This is simple math,” said Igor Lyashenko.
Speaking about the compensation for tax maneuver in the oil industry of Russia, the vice premier reiterated that the issue is still on the agenda. “We have put forward our conditions, and they are fair,” he said.
