MOSCOW, 17 May (BelTA-TASS) – The prime ministers of Russia and Belarus are expected to meet next week to discuss the situation with the Druzhba oil pipeline, Russian Vice Premier Dmitry Kozak told the media after his meeting with his Belarusian counterpart Igor Lyashenko.
“The next meeting will take place at a higher level,” said Igor Lyashenko when asked when representatives of Russia and Belarus are expected to meet again to discuss the situation around the Druzhba pipeline.
“Next week we will definitely meet with the prime ministers,” Dmitry Kozak said.
BelTA reported earlier that on 19 April Belneftekhim registered a massive decrease in the quality of the Russian oil mixture Urals flowing in transit into the main oil pipeline section operated by OAO Gomeltransneft Druzhba. The concentration of chlororganic compounds in oil exceeded standard thresholds dozens of times over. Both Belarusian oil refineries – OAO Naftan and Mozyr Oil Refinery – have been forced to reduce their workload and have experienced financial losses. Oil, meeting all quality standards, reached the Belarusian border on 2 May and Mozyr Oil Refinery on 4 May.
