GRODNO, 18 February (BelTA) – The Belarusian economy will not incur any losses from the discontinuation of transit of Belarusian potash fertilizers through the territory of Lithuania, Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko said during his working trip to Grodno on 17 February, BelTA has learned.
Potash fertilizers are one of Belarus' main export products. Belarus is one of the world's biggest producers and exporters of potash fertilizers holding 20% of the market or $2.5-3 billion. Belarus expects to retain its market share and even increase its revenues this year, because prices for potash fertilizers keep growing, including on the back of media reports about the discontinuation of transit of Belarusian potash fertilizers. The fertilizers have not been shipped through Lithuania since 1 February.
“We were forced to take a retaliatory step and limit rail transit of fertilizers and oil products from the Republic of Lithuania through our territory. This way we wanted to respond to the aggressive and unfriendly moves of the Lithuanian partners. Nevertheless, we made attempts to resolve this issue in a civilized manner using legal instruments. We have an intergovernmental document, which, in our opinion, the Lithuanian side has violated. The day before it happened, we had invited the Lithuanian side to hold talks. Our proposal was left unanswered,” the prime minister said.
Belarus is working to redirect its commodity flows to the ports of friendly states. As for Ukraine, transportation is proceeding as before. Moreover, the Ukrainian side is signaling its interest in increasing transit. Belarus will do it wherever it is convenient and makes economic sense.
“As for the Russian Federation, this is a strategic direction. We are in close contact with our colleagues. They act like a true ally, meet us halfway on various issues, including commercial ones. According to our calculations, the Belarusian economy will not incur any losses from the discontinuation of transit of Belarusian potash fertilizers through the territory of Lithuania,” concluded Roman Golovchenko.
