Azerbaijan, Baku, May 21 / Trend E. Kosolapova/
Kazakhstan hopes to settle down the problem with Russian oil supplies to the Pavlodar Petrochemical Plant after appointments in the Russian government, Kazakh Oil and Gas Minister Sauat Mynbayev told journalists on the sidelines of the government meeting, Novosti-Kazakhstan reported.
"The problem with oil supplies to the Pavlodar refinery really exists. There have been some delays due to organizational issues with Russia, as new appointments are ongoing there," Mynbayev said.
Russia has reduced oil supplies to Kazakh Pavlodar Petrochemical Plant twice, RIA Novosti reported earlier referring to a source in the industry.
"Usual crude oil supplies hit 500,000 tons. In May Russia will deliver little over 270,000 tons," the source said.
According to Mynbayev, the problem consists in different approaches to the method of calculation of oil and oil products export duties within the Customs Union.
"We hope to sign the agreement [on oil supplies], but it is clear that Russia has its interests and we have our interest. We can not say that someone sabotaged the agreement. The problem consists in different approaches," Mynbayev said.
However, Mynbayev found it difficult to say exactly when the agreement on this issue will be signed.
Meanwhile, the Oil and Gas Ministry takes measures to prevent lack of oil products in the country.
"The situation is calm in the domestic market. If Russia does not supply oil to the Pavlodar refinery, we try to replace this oil by domestic supplies and import of finished oil products from other countries, including the Russian Federation," the Minister said.
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