Eastern Europe has long been dependent on cheap Soviet oil.

But imports are unlikely to rise because Soviet oil and platinum already come in with normal tariffs.

The project was paid with Soviet crude oil.

Several high-ranking Soviet oil and gas officials told potential investors that with new capital and technology they could raise production.

In return, Cuba is promised the Soviet oil that provides 90% of its energy.

Soviet oil and gas, which could easily have been sold on world markets, was exported to the bloc at far below its market value.

On the same day, Czechoslovakia will start paying for its Soviet oil in hard currency, at world prices.

Pipelines also linked to large international lines bringing Soviet crude oil and gas to border.

Falling prices for Soviet oil and a strong mark have cut into bilateral trade.

The key to future Soviet oil development, many industry officials say, is Western cooperation.