Putin sees change for Belarusian gas price

The price Belarus pays for natural gas in 2012 is certain to change and a new agreement should develop soon, the Russian prime minister said. Energy talks between Belarus and Russia have gained momentum in recent weeks. Minsk has pressed for a better gas deal from Russia as the current agreement with Russian gas company Gazprom ends Dec. 31. Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said talks between Gazprom and Beltransgaz were close to completion. "We are approaching the new agreements with Belarus in our energy partnership," he was quoted by Russia's state-run news agency RIA Novosti. Putin added the gas price for Belarus would likely change for next year. Putin said Belarus could enjoy a discount but that would hinge on Gazprom taking a 50 percent stake in the Belarusian energy company. Minsk is facing pressure from the European Union over its response to unrest following last year's presidential elections. The country's president in June threatened to close the borders if there was a financial emergency. Gazprom officials said last week they expected to reach a deal in early November.