Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has met with with the CEO of Russia’s biggest oil company, Rosneft, Igor Sechin on Tuesday, BelTA news reports.
The meeting took place against the backdrop of difficult negotiations between Moscow and Minsk on the terms of oil supplies from Russia to Belarus.
Lukashenko thanked the head of Rosneft for the visit and said that he would like to discuss the situation with the head of the largest supplier of raw materials to domestic refineries. According to the Belarusian President, last year Rosneft supplied half of the oil needed by the country’s refineries.
“I know that you are in the know, but it would be wrong to not even consult on specific issues, how to proceed and how to work, including with Rosneft,” he said.
Lukashenko expressed a desire to fully clarify the situation, his press service said.
“I would like complete clarity. I think, taking advantage of the fact that we have known each other for a long time, you will tell me something and we will be able to agree on our further cooperation,” the president added.
Rosneft is one of the top five Russian companies that suspended a supply of crude oil to Belarusian refineries since January 1. Disagreements arose between the parties over a premium to the price of oil minus export duties, which was paid by Belarusian buyers.
The Belarusian side expressed a desire to buy oil at a price without a premium, calling it unreasonable in the conditions of a tax maneuver.
