A. Lukashenko’s threats coming true? Belarussian oil company announces it will no longer send cargo through Klaipėda

With the daughter company of Belarus’ largest oil product exporter BNK announcing that it is temporarily suspending the export of oil products through Klaipėdos Nafta on the basis of new contracts, the threats made by unrecognised by the West Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko were remembered once again. Back in early autumn, he promised to divert Belarussian cargo away from Klaipėda Seaport. Are these threats being realised? Klaipėda Seaport Directorate head Algis Latakas says that it is too early to make conclusions. Meanwhile, Lithuanian diplomats say that BNK’s decision is politically motivated.