English

Lukashenka entitles himself to extend list of potash exporters

Alyaksandr Lukashenka has issued a presidential edict that allows him to select companies to implement the government's monopoly over the export of potash fertilizers.

The country's potash exports were previously limited to potash producer Belaruskali and Belarusian Potash Company (BPC), with Belaruskali selling potash only through BPC.

The edict entitles the head of state to extend the list of potash exporters to include "other organizations." The organizations will buy potash from Belaruskali along with BPC.

According to the presidential press office, the edict is aimed at "improving" the potash export system based on "the economic interests of the Republic of Belarus."

Founded in 2005 by Belarus' Belaruskali and Russia's Uralkali, Belarusian Potash Company is said to control more than 30 percent of the world potash market. A 50-percent in the company Belongs to Uralkali, 45 percent to Belaruskali and five percent to Belarusian Railroads. //BelaPAN