Lithuanian company turns down 17 requests to carry Belarusian imports, exports

June 6, BPN. A Lithuanian railway company rejected 47 applications for transportation of goods last week, more than a third of which involved Belarusian imports or exports, according to Delfi.

The company, LTG Cargo, said it refused to transport 306 cars with chemical and mineral fertilizers, oil and petroleum products, and other goods.

Belarus faces EU sanctions over human rights violations and its role in the war in Ukraine.

Lithuanian authorities have been investigating smuggling of fertilizers produced by AAT Hrodna Azot, a sanctioned Belarusian company, since January. In March, LTG Cargo tightened control over cargoes and suspended contracts with some freight companies to avoid sanctions.

Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė said a complete ban on Belarusian fertilizers traffic would help prevent the circumvention of sanctions. Transport Minister Marius Skuodis said such a move would require EU approval.

In February 2022, Lithuanian Railways stopped transporting Belarusian potash fertilizers to the Port of Klaipėda after the government categorized the agreement with Belaruskali, another sanctioned company, a threat to national security.