Chaly: Belarus may start taking transit gas away
The limitation of Russian gas supplies to Belarus by 85% may result in an unauthorized taking away of the fuel transported to Europe from Russia. An economist Syarhei Chaly has claimed it to ERB commenting on the reduction of gas supplies by 15%. It turns out that this is an issue of fundamental importance for both sides and a one-sided solution to the problem may mean that this or that side may lose face. It will become clear who the winner is. And I am afraid it will lead to even more difficult issues. It may result in limitations or unauthorized taking away of transit gas…”
Speaking about limiting gas supplies by 15%, Chaly said that it would not affect our country because gas consumption is reduced in summer. However, if gas supplies are limited by 85%, the situation will be totally different.
Syarhei Chaly: “85% is crucial. It will mean that only life support enterprises will keep functioning - bread-baking plants, milk plants, etc. Enterprises of continuously-running fabrication like “Hrodna Nitrogen”, “Man-made fiber” and a glass plant “Neman” are unlikely to continue their work”.
In Chaly’s opinion, Belarus behaved in a wrong way in this conflict from the very beginning. The economist thinks that it was necessary to pay the $200 million debt at once and to demonstrate that Russia was operating on a shoe string thus creating a positive image for Belarus. The expert says that it is very difficult to predict how the confrontation will end now.
Let us remind you that Russia has limited gas supplies to Belarus by 15% this morning. The reason for it is the $200 million gas debt.
Speaking about limiting gas supplies by 15%, Chaly said that it would not affect our country because gas consumption is reduced in summer. However, if gas supplies are limited by 85%, the situation will be totally different.
Syarhei Chaly: “85% is crucial. It will mean that only life support enterprises will keep functioning - bread-baking plants, milk plants, etc. Enterprises of continuously-running fabrication like “Hrodna Nitrogen”, “Man-made fiber” and a glass plant “Neman” are unlikely to continue their work”.
In Chaly’s opinion, Belarus behaved in a wrong way in this conflict from the very beginning. The economist thinks that it was necessary to pay the $200 million debt at once and to demonstrate that Russia was operating on a shoe string thus creating a positive image for Belarus. The expert says that it is very difficult to predict how the confrontation will end now.
Let us remind you that Russia has limited gas supplies to Belarus by 15% this morning. The reason for it is the $200 million gas debt.
