As confirmed by a Russian Energy Ministry spokeswoman on Sunday, despite the fact that Moscow and Minsk have failed to close a new oil supply deal, Russian oil has continued to flow to Belarus, and through Belarus to the European Union. The talks collapsed on Saturday.

"Belarus is holding back the negotiation process. Russia has made unprecedented and very comfortable proposals about duty-free oil supplies. But Belarus is demanding more", spokesperson Irina Yesipova said.

She, however, said that she had no knowledge if the talks would resume on Sunday or next week.

On Saturday, while Belarus' delegation left Moscow, Minsk accused Russia of ignoring its concerns and arguments in a move which will revive fears concerning supply cuts to Europe, which have already been responsible for pushing up oil prices.

As per reports, the talks have broken down over the New Year time, which resulted in a small interruption in supplies to refineries across Belarus.

"By dragging out the talks, the Belarussian side could lose these advantages”, an expert was quoted as saying.