14:33 “Gazprom” interferes in affaires of “Beltransgaz”

The administration of the Russian gas monopolist – the “Gazprom” company – is worried by the “Beltransgaz”’s plans to cancel the markup for resale of Russian gas for domestic consumers. At the moment “Beltransgaz” resells gas to the “Beltopgaz” concern with a markup of 18 USD per a thousand cubic metres. In its turn, “Beltopgaz” sells gas to ultimate consumers — enterprises and inhabitants. Thus, Belarus buys Russian gas at the price of 100 USD and sells it to its consumers for 118 USD and more.

The deputy head of the administration of “Gazprom” Valeriy Golubev is worried about the fact that “Beltransgaz” may become unprofitable if the markup is cancelled. “Gazprom” insists on confirming the markup in a Belarusian President’s decree, informs www.versii.com.

The official Minsk has not given any response to the statement yet. Let us remind you that “Gazprom” will have bought only 25% of “Beltransgaz” shares till the end of the first half of 2007. “Gazprom” will acquire the right of possession and corporative administration only after having bought 50% of “Beltransgaz” shares. But it will happen only in 2010.