Leanid Zaika: Government Must Admit That It Can't Do Anything

The export to Russia may hit a new low.

Belarus has introduced an ecological tax on oil transit through its territory. According to estimates of the Ministry of Finance, the innovation may allow replenishing the country's budget by $100 million per year.

Head of the Strategy analytical center, Leanid Zaika, has criticized the authorities' initiative. He spoke about the alternative to the tax and possible consequences of its introduction in the Prymus program, Salidarnasts reports.

- It would be better for the government to continue raising the price of fuel by one kopeck. It's what they do best. However, they have one young man there who explained that it is possible to include the transport tax in the price of petrol, but it will increase the price of fuel and everything else. But twenty-seven times a year (of fuel price increases - note) do not cause any questions, - the expert says.

In his opinion, it is high time for the government to come out and admit: "Guys, we can't do anything".

- If we take the issue seriously, we can create an insurance policy. To insure against possible breakdowns in the oil pipeline. To insure against possible pollution, breakages. That is to use the method of covering possible costs - Zaika gave an example of an alternative to the imposed tax.

The economist explained the risks of such démarches in a situation of total dependence on the export of Belarusian products to Russia. According to him, our milk supplies to the Russian market are much more sensitive than oil and gas issues. And if the Russian side decides to put pressure in this very place, the export to Russia will hit a new low.