Europe threatened by Russian oil block

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It is a move that could lead to fuel shortages across Europe. Only last week the ex-Soviet states promised to put their argument to one side and keep providing oil to the rest of Europe whose refiners are heavily reliant on Russian supplies to make winter heating oil and other products.

The feuding grew more intense on Sunday when Belarus subpoenaed the head of Russian pipeline monopoly Transneft and Russia demanded an end to oil transit fees imposed by Belarus.

Russia's alliance with Belarus has been shaken by Moscow's recent decisions to impose duties on oil sales to its neighbour, double gas prices and ban imports of Belarusian sugar.

Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko -- branded Europe's last dictator by Washington -- fought back last week by slapping a transit fee on Russian oil pumped via Belarus.

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