The parties discussed the current state and development prospects for the cooperation between Russia and Belarus in the gas sector. It was pointed out that Gazprom Transgaz Belarus, a subsidiary company of Gazprom, secured uninterrupted gas supply and transit and was a major tax payer in the Republic. This speaks for the strategic nature of the mutually beneficial cooperation between Russia and Belarus and helps in facing the future positively.
Special focus was placed on the preparations for the 2014–2015 autumn-winter periods. Gas transmission facilities are being upgraded and overhauled in compliance with the set schedule. The work is underway on replenishing gas reserves in underground storages. Before the withdrawal season starts, the company is going to increase the operating reserve of marketable gas to 1.035 billion cubic meters in Belarusian UGS facilities, which is 12.5 per cent more than in 2013. The completion of these major works will help Gazprom to smoothly get through the heating season and fully supply Belarusian consumers with natural gas in the coming winter.
The meeting participants also addressed Gazprom's social projects in the Republic. For instance, Minsk hosted one out of two zonal rounds of Gazprom Neft Cup, Europe's major International KHL Tournament among Children's Hockey Teams this April. The remarkable and memorable event was a real present both for the participants and for the rooters.
The company actively participates in projects aimed at early disease detection and urgent treatment of children. For instance, special-purpose equipment is being donated to medical centers within the program for early detection of hearing disorders.
Moreover, thanks to Gazprom's financial aid the reconstruction of the Brest Fortress memorial was completed and the new exhibition was opened to honor the 70th Anniversary of Liberation of the Republic of Belarus.
On November 25, 2011 the Russian Federation Government and the Government of the Republic of Belarus signed:
the Agreement on the prices (tariffs) formation procedure for natural gas supply to the Republic of Belarus and transmission via gas pipelines located in the country;
the Agreement on the terms and conditions for sales and purchase of Beltransgaz's shares and its future activities.
In furtherance of the above-mentioned documents, Gazprom and Beltransgaz signed on November 25, 2011 contracts for gas supply to Belarus and gas transmission via the Republic for 2012–2014. In addition, Gazprom and the State Property Committee of the Republic of Belarus entered into the sales and purchase contract for a 50 per cent stake in Beltransgaz. Taking into account the 50 per cent stake in Beltransgaz acquired by Gazprom between 2007 and 2010, the Company's full ownership in Beltransgaz (presently Gazprom Transgaz Belarus) amounted to 100 per cent.
In 2013 Gazprom supplied Belarusian consumers with 20.3 billion cubic meters of gas; the volume of transit totaled 48.8 billion cubic meters of gas. In Q1 2014 these indicators equaled 9.8 and 23.2 billion cubic meters respectively.
At present, contracts are being drawn up for gas supply and its subsequent transmission via the Republic of Belarus for another triennium.
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