Poland displays calm over Moscow-Minsk gas conflict

Russia has announced a fourfold increase in the prices for natural gas deliveries to Belarus. The government in Minsk has flatly opposed the move and rejected a counter offer of a smaller price hike in return for a fifty percent share in the Belarusian distribution system. Can this bilateral Russian-Belarusian problem have a negative effect on deliveries of Russian gas to Poland?


Of the 6.8 billion cubic meters of Russian gas imports annually, Poland receives 2.8 billion through Belarus. The majority is delivered through Ukraine. Furthermore, Polish reserves are full having in storage over one billion cubic meters of gas. So is there really anything to worry about?

Deputy foreign minister Pawel Kowal told Polish Radio that though Poland satisfies some one third of its demand from domestic sources, it must also be remembered the duration of the conflict could be crucial.

' In a relatively short period this does not pose greater danger, but theoretically, in the long run, it could be problematic. This is nothing new for us.'

Former economy minister Janusz Steinhoff reminds of the hard lesson Poland had received in the past.

' Poland receives part of the Russian deliveries from Ukraine and a portion from Belarus. Our concern is raised by the fact that disruptions in its transfer through Belarus may have and adverse effect for Poland which had been witnessed two years ago.'

Bohdan Wyznikiewicz from the Market Research Institute says Russia and Belarus may have become seasoned opponents in their conflicts over gas, but Polish industry could be affected as a result of these bilateral conflicts.

' It is not clear what the intentions of Russia are in this conflict. But I think both sides have learned from their experience last year and are prepared for a new disturbance in gas deliveries. If the situation worsens, then some industrial enterprises in Poland could be in trouble. Especially in the chemical industry where gas is used.'

Deputy foreign minister Pawel Kowal points to the necessity of adopting a universal EU policy towards the issue of importing Russian energy supplies, as the current problem is not only a potential concern to Poland.

' Especially the energy sector requires a serious partner-like approach of Europe towards Russia so that, for instance, gas prices would not even be considered a political weapon of any kind. I hope this situation will bring us closer to such a treatment of Russia.'

Bogdan Wyznikiewicz fully agrees and also recalls the imperative need for diversification of energy imports.

' This situation should also be a lesson for the Polish government and should speed up investment on alternative sources of gas for Poland.'

The current Russian dispute with Belarus over gas prices and its potential effect on the situation of some EU members, including Poland, is also a good opportunity to return to the Polish concept of creating a European emergency network to soften the impact of any such danger created by energy conflicts with Russia.
Source: By Slawek Szefs, polskieradio.pl