Has Lukashenka come to terms with Russia?

The expected price of Russian gas for Belarus in the first quarter of the 2008 will make $199.5 per 1 thousand cubic metres, said first Vice Prime Minister of Belarus Uladzimir Syamashka at a seminar of high-level personnel of republican and state agencies.

As said by him, during the talks reduction of the price by $7-8 is possible.

Demand for natural gas in Belarus next year is estimated at 21.5 billion cubic metres, the first prime minister added.

As informed, Russian Ambassador to Belarus Alexander Surikov forecasted gas price in 2008 to grow up to $125-150 per 1 thousand cubic metres, with a tendency to the lower limit of this range.

In line with a four-year contract for gas deliveries, its price for Belarus in 2008 is to make 69% of the average European price, calculated according to the formula based on stock exchange prices for oil products.

Comment by www.charter97.org : It is obvious that Lukashenka has made concessions to Russia in some things. If not, why Belarus is to pay only $119.5 per 1 thousand cubic metres of Russian gas in the first three months of the year 2008? The cost has been predicted to be higher. In the near future we are likely to find out what the Belarusian ruler had to sacrifice …