Belarus and Russia's Latest Economic Quarrel

Economic tensions are growing between Belarus and Russia in a resurgence of the volatility that sometimes affects the neighboring countries' traditionally close relationship. Russian daily newspaper Vedemosti reported Aug. 6 that Russia would halt its exports of gasoline after facing a shortage of shipments of gasoline from Belarus and increased domestic consumption. A week earlier, Belarus and Russia dissolved their joint potash-exporting firm, Belarusian Potash Co., after a series of disagreements.

Such rows are not uncommon between Minsk and Moscow. Despite their close economic integration, tensions between the countries do spike from time to time, and Russia is usually able to use its substantial leverage to bring Belarus back in line. The current tensions over gasoline supplies likely will be resolved in Moscow's favor.