Belarus ready for more Russian oil, gas

Belarus is ready to discuss the increase in the deliveries of Russian oil and gas, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said at the meeting with Rosneft President Igor Sechin and RussNeft President Mikhail Gutseriyev on 16 May, BelTA learnt from the presidential press service.

Alexander Lukashenko noted that there are no obstacles in developing cooperation with these companies.

“If terms are favorable, better than other companies offer, we can take a bigger amount of oil for processing. There are no problems here,” the President said.

“As for supplies of oil products, let us negotiate these issues together. You know our oil refineries. We are unlikely to have any problems here as well,” the head of state added.

Alexander Lukashenko invited the Russian side to partake in the implementation of the projects in the chemical industry.

“We have a good range of petrochemical products. We also have the experience and traditions in the production of nitrogen fertilizers. You have 50 billion cubic meters of gas. You do not sell it overseas. I think, here, in the Union State, we could reach an agreement. You could have some 3 billion cubic meters processed if we build a new plant. The site has been prepared and ready. You could supply the gas to this facility. We could agree on corporatization of the plant and on exports. That would be a good economy,” Alexander Lukashenko and added that, if necessary, he is prepared to discuss this topic with the President of Russia.

"There are many other projects," stressed the head of state.

“We are ready to open the door for you. We want you to work here efficiently, and, of course, lucratively. The principle is one: we should have a little higher interest than other companies. I think you will be able to interest Belarus, because you produce a big volume of oil and gas and, and big development projects are in the pipeline,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

Igor Sechin, in turn, thanked the Belarusian head of state for personal attention to the projects.

He said that Rosneft is now actively working in Belarus. Half of the oil processed by Belarusian oil refineries is supplied by Rosneft. “I confirm that in our work with the strategic Belarusian partners we will be guided by the principles of trust, mutual respect and mutual interests. We are ready to fully share profits with our partners and create long-term projects,” said Igor Sechin.