Prices of Russian gas for Belarus in 2016 could stay at 2015 level - Gazprom Transgaz Belarus
MINSK. Oct 2 (Interfax) - Prices for Russian gas imported into Belarus in 2016 could stay at this year's level, Gazprom Transgaz Belarus CEO Vladimir Mayorov told reporters.
"If the price for gas in Russia doesn't go up and the dollar exchange rate stays the same, then the price for gas for Belarus next year could be the same as in the third and fourth quarters this year. That is $142," he said.
He said that the following are determining factors for deciding the price of gas for Belarus: the dynamics of the Russian ruble in relation to the dollar and the fluctuation of the price for gas from Russia.
Earlier the head of the Belarusian Energy Ministry, Vladimir Potupchik, said that he is not excluding the possibility of lowered prices of Russian gas in 2016.
"It is very difficult to say what will happen on January 1. If the situation stays the same as today, then, a small drop in the price of Russian gas is possible," he said.
According to information from the ministry, in the second half of 2015, the contract price of Russian gas for Belarus grew from $139 to $142 excluding VAT.