Russia quadruples Belarus gas prices; crisis fears grow

The Irish Times ^ | Tue, Apr 04, 06 | Chris Stephen

[Lukasz]

How Ukrainian refineries ended in the hands of Russian companies?

[Lukasz]

Anyway I find it interesting that Gasprom is kicking Luka's a** now

Why? He already “won” the elections, it is good moment.

if they even forget about their old friend in Belarus.

All this pan-Slavic/”socialist brothers” BS from their mouths stinks like hell. Russia never had any friends, only slaves and enemies. Well maybe Germany hehe

[Atlantic Bridge]

Well maybe Germany hehe

Joker...

Uhh - I forgot about the chairman -geez chairwoman:

She probably slept too often with Puttie.

[Lukasz]

new chairman of what? You mean Schroeder?

[Atlantic Bridge]

Chairman of the new gas monopoly in Germany after Gasprom has bought RWE, Eon and BASF. This is the point where they are able to earn the big money. Who cares about Belarus, if they can dictate the consumer prices in Germany, the by far biggest market for them.

Puttie told Angela Merkel recently in Tomsk that he feels pissed that Russian investors (who else than Gasprom) are not able to get into the direct business with German consumers. This is the plan and Schroeder helped to realize it. Therefore he is a complete traitor of his compatriots. Eastern Europe plays only a sad underpart in this play.

As I said I have no idea how to get out of this mess. Do you?

[Mazepa]

Bad government policies- Kuchma is a retarded guy.

[GarySpFc]

I came to terms with the more expensive Russian gas for Ukraine- no problem. I do have a problem with Ukraine subsidizing Russia by providing cheap rent for the Black Sea Fleet.

I can't blame you for not liking the cheap rent Russia pays for the harboring their Black Se Fleet. However, under the terms of the agreement you received Russian territory, which will be returned to Russia if you negate the treaty. In other words, you were paid not only with rent, but also with territory.

[GarySpFc]

BS they always want “free market price” (in fact there is no free energy market) and when pressured government give up some state owned company then they forget about “free market” stuff. Educate yourself if you want seriously discuss Belarusian affairs.

You can show your East European socialism potty mouth for capitalism all you like, but it is a free market. Switch to another form of energy if you do not like the rate of $230 for Russian natural gas. We pay $461 in the US, and those who do not like the rates switch to propane or electricity, but then they see how much cheaper natural gas is as a form of energy and regret their move.

I have invested in natural gas in the past, and know it takes huge investments and a willingness to risk it to develop new wells when production from old wells declines. Add to that the costs of the infrastructure, which is something a socialist like yourself will never understand.

[Lukasz]

However, under the terms of the agreement you received Russian territory, which will be returned to Russia if you negate the treaty. In other words, you were paid not only with rent, but also with territory.

I read recently that this agreement is invalid according to the Ukrainian constitution. If so the Russians are there illegally.

[Lukasz]

I reapeat educate yourself and don't waste my time.

[romanesq]

Gosh, who do you root for when two dictators have a pissing match?
Okay, I'll take the Mussolini Belarus guy, just for the hell of it.

[goldstategop]

Russia is telling Belarus you want subsidized gas, give us control over your gas infrastructure. Or be prepared to pay market prices for the gas.

(Denny Crane: "Every one should carry a gun strapped to their waist. We need more - not less guns.")

[Lukasz]

For the beginning you could collect all the materials how badly planned pipeline will affect the Baltic Sea. Then under pretext of EU ecologic regulation cancel the deal. Of course I don’t believe this to happen as well as I don’t believe that Merkel ever was against.

[Tailgunner Joe]

All former Soviet republics can clearly see just what they will get in return for siding with Russia: absolutely nothing.

Ukraine and Georgia may have price increases, but the alternative is price increases, loss of sovereignty and independence, and Russian subjugation. Pity poor Belarus.

[GarySpFc]

Pity poor Belarus.

I don't pity Belarus one bit. They will tire very quickly of Lukas when he cannot afford to give them their good salaries. I think this is the best way to get rid of the dictator.

[x5452]

Where do you folks crawl out of?

Russia seized YUKOS for MASSIVE TAX EVASION and violating NUMEROUS privatization laws.

Yukos was a corrupt oligarchy, run by a courrpt wanna be politician who was in bed with Soros and Open Society.

Why is it every time I turn around Freeps are hapy to support thrid way socialism bought and paid for by Soros in East Europe??!?!!

[x5452]

You're defending Lukashenko and Soviet Era pricing.

And I thought I'd seen everything.

[x5452]

That port belongs in Russia as does Crimea and if any of you galacians try a rent hike the vastly superior Russian military will take it back.

The only reason either fall in Ukraine's boundries is generocity of Soviet Era ethnic Ukranian leaders,

[x5452]

Are you wishing Lukashenko will remain in power buy paying a fraction of what Germany does for gas and reselling it to Europe?!?!

[blam]

"Didn't the Russian govt seize Gazprom and put its owner behind bars about two years ago? If so, sounds like a move by Russia's Putin."

Yup. He's got to get the bucks for the new 'arms race - cold war' with the US that he spoke of last week.