Republic
31.01.2006
Belarus will render assistance in building the second line of the Yamal-Europe gas main across the territory of the republic, first vice-premier Vladimir Semashko told BelTA.
According to him, Belarus is a unique partner for Gazprom. Today the first line of the Yamal-Europe gas main is almost finished. Two compressor stations are left to be introduced in 2006 and the main will work at ultimate capacity of 34 billion cubic meters of natural gas per annum. “We have created the appropriate conditions for Gazprom to build this line: technological equipment, materials, pipes with everything imported to Belarus duty-free. This accounts for a big privilege, it is equal to USD 250 million”, Vladimir Semashko said.
Besides, Gazprom has the lowest tariffs of transporting gas in Russia. Allowing for the tariffs and geographical benefits, some USD 10,5-11 are saved per every one thousand cubic meters of natural gas. This multiplied by 38 billion cubic meters of gas transported across Belarus in 2005, Gazprom enjoyed a great economy in funds”, the first vice-premier noted.
He added that “we are thankful to Gazprom and the leadership of Russia that they appreciate our problems which are solved in a fraternal manner”. It is not fortuitous that the gas price for Belarus has remained at USD 46,68 per one thousand cubic meters while the price jumped from USD 50 to USD 230 for Ukraine, from USD 80 to USD 141 for Lithuania and on average from USD 70-75 to USD 130 for Georgia and Armenia. These mutual concessions greatly benefit economies and policies of both the states. “We will continue pursuing this policy; this is why Belarus is interested in assisting to build the second line of the gas main across its territory”, the first vice-premier stressed.
Besides, Vladimir Semashko thinks, the project has direct economic benefits. The construction of the first line of the gas main cost Gazprom USD 1,5 billion. The second line with reportedly cost USD 800 million since ht entire infrastructure has been already built including compressor stations which were constructed bearing in mind the necessity to service two lines of the gas main.
Moreover, the Yamal-Europe – 2 project will be three times cheaper than the northern-Baltic gas main. That gas main will “not equalize nor satisfy the growing demand of Europe in natural gas”. Experts say, by 2015 Europe will additionally need 50-60 billion cubic meters of natural gas every year while the Baltic gas main will provide solely 25 billion cubic meters. This means that the transportation of gas across Belarus will be always in demand”, the first vice-premier said.
He has added that in line with the agreements regarding setting up of a joint gas transportation company, Gazprom will invest USD 250-300 million in construction of subterranean storage facilities of natural gas with the total capacity of 2,5-3 billion cubic meters of gas. “This project hinges on the creation of the joint company”, Vladimir Semashko said.
As for prices for gas, this issue will be discussed and solved every year. “We need to promote energy-saving program. Everyone should understand that gas will get more expensive. Maybe the pace will differ from that our neighbors have, but the price will go upward”, Vladimir Semashko said. According to estimates, the price for natural gas will rise by 10-15 per cent in Russia every year. This means that the price will grow for Belarus, too. This is why the domestic economic entities should be prepared for this. “If we reach an agreement, the price for Belarus will grow in the same manner it will for Russia and this will be a great blessing for Belarus”, Vladimir Semashko stressed.