MOSCOW, 9 October (BelTA) - The cooperation between Belarus and Russia in the gas sector is a key element of the Belarus-Russia Union State’s energy security, Belarus’ Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Karankevich said at the St. Petersburg International Gas Forum, BelTA has learned.
Viktor Karankevich recalled that in 2008 Belarus decided to build its own nuclear power plant due to the lack of domestic natural gas resources. “This made it possible to diversify the fuel and energy mix, but natural gas continues to be in demand in the Belarusian economy. This is due, among other factors, to the development of the real sector of the economy, the construction of new industrial facilities and the expansion of existing ones, as well as the continued use of gas for household needs through the ongoing rural gasification program. Gazprom, with which we have a long-standing and trust-based relationship, provides reliable and uninterrupted natural gas supplies to Belarus in the required volumes. Belarus, as a reliable partner, fully and promptly fulfills its obligations regarding these supplies,” he said.
The deputy prime minister noted that Belarus has built close and constructive relations with Gazprom in various areas from the development of the gas sector to the production of innovative products for import substitution. “The relations between Belarus and Russia in the gas sector and their further development are an important element in strengthening the Union State’s energy security,” he emphasized.
Speaking about the development of the global gas market, Viktor Karankevich remarked that the situation is still dynamic and gas prices are very sensitive to external factors. “European countries are striving to reduce natural gas consumption through the decarbonization of their economies and the introduction of green technologies. Step by step, they are trying to cut gas use by relying on alternative energy sources. But this requires both time and significant resources, which not all countries possess. Therefore, natural gas continues to be in demand in key sectors of the global economy, and its competitive advantage over other types of fuel secures its central role in the world energy mix,” he said.
“In the context of the gas market transformation, it is also worth noting the rapid growth in the production of petrochemical products, which are in high demand worldwide, as well as the increasing use of natural gas as a motor fuel,” Viktor Karankevich added.
Follow us on:
