Belarus is able to meet only 13-15 percent of its energy needs from its own reserves. Belarus’s basic fuel is natural gas imported from Russia. Its share in the structure of energy consumption is between 75 and 80 percent. In recent years, Belarusian refineries were processing some 22 million tonnes of oil, of which around 1.72 million tonnes were extracted from domestic resources. In addition, until 2010, Belarus exported 1.5 million tonnes of oil annually (primarily to Poland and Germany).

Not only Belarus is dependent on Russian energy supplies, since the Baltic States and several Central European countries are in a similar situation. However, Belarus is most vulnerable, because Russia is virtually the sole supplier of its energy.

Staying so dependent on Russia, Belarus has retained most of its Soviet industry. To keep it going, Belarus imports so much energy that only much richer countries can afford.

The whole analysis is available in English and Russian. 

 

Tatiana Manenok was born in a small forest village in 1959. Graduated from journalist studies at the Belarusian State University, she worked for several Belarusian newspapers and magazines. She has been working for the Belarusy i Rynok weekly since its inception in 1991. She is particularly interested in privatization, investment, logistics and energy. The author is particularly sensitive about the Belarusian-Russian relations, as she believes they are of great importance for the future of the country and its independence.