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Kremlin hopes that Russia and Belarus will overcome differences in energy sector

According to Russian President's spokesman Dmitry Peskov, so far it is difficult to say how exactly the disagreements will be resolved

MOSCOW, October 7. /TASS /. The Kremlin believes that sooner or later the current disagreements between Russia and Belarus in the oil and gas sector will be overcome, Russian President's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said responding to a question from TASS.

"We have two allied states - Russia and Belarus - and therefore even amid commercial disputes, which absolutely unavoidable sometimes, the contacts will not be interrupted, contacts are absolutely comprehensive, they are permanent in nature. So, of course, mutual proposals are being voiced on the background of tensions of a commercial nature. Quickly or slowly, but surely it (the crisis) will be overcome," he said.

The Kremlin official added that so far it is difficult to say how exactly the disagreements will be resolved.

"I reiterate it that the allied nature of our relations is the best foundation which allows us to look for mutually beneficial solutions," Peskov stressed.

Minsk and Moscow are negotiating the gas price for Belarusian consumers. According to Russia’s Energy Minister Alexander Novak at the moment the debt of Belarus for Russian gas amounts to $270-300 mln. Belarus finds the contract price of $132.77 per 1,000 cubic meters unfair and did not recognize the debt. Russia states that until the price dispute is not resolved, payments must be made under the contract price.

Also, by the decree by Belarus’ Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade Ministry dated September 28, 2016, tariffs for transit of Russian oil through the territory of Belarus were increased by average 50%. The document comes into force on October 11 this year.

Russia believes that this decision violates the existing contracts, which include an intergovernmental agreement and the approved method for changed of tariffs.