Moscow will not aggravate relations with Minsk over oil in coming months

President Vladimir Putin has proposed to oblige the Belarusian oil refineries to use Russian infrastructure to transport oil products. Belarus has consistently refused to redirect the export of petrochemicals from the Baltic to Russian ports, despite discounts offered by the Russian railway. In addition to losing some economic benefits, Minsk could be refusing due to political risks, such as growing dependence on the Kremlin. Disagreements over the supply of Russian oil to Belarus are likely to persist due to Russia’s firm determination to develop its ports.