Poland will seek a discount for future liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies from Qatar to reflect a drop in prices since the countries signed a deal in 2009, said the country's treasury minister.

Poland, which is looking to ease its reliance on Russian energy supplies, will open the Baltic Sea's first LNG terminal in the second half of 2014. The 2.1 billion zlotys ($654 million) terminal in the Polish port of Swinoujscie will handle 5bn cubic metres of gas annually.

The terminal will help Poland gain access to the global LNG market to curb its dependence on costly imports from Russia's Gazprom.

Qatari state-run exporter Qatargas will provide around a third of the terminal's supplies after the countries signed a 20-year contract in 2009. Under the current contract, Poland will pay $340 to $380 per 1000 cubic metres, Mikolaj Budzanowski said. This is lower than the $400-$500 Poland pays Russia, he added.-Reuters