MOSCOW, July 21 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's prime minister has given an order to clarify the reasons for shortfalls in Russian oil deliveries to the Czech Republic, and to ensure uninterrupted supplies.

Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin reported to Vladimir Putin at an inner Cabinet meeting on the situation, saying most of the oil is being delivered through intermediaries registered abroad.

Putin said: "I believe these reasons are not directly related to Russian suppliers. However, I would ask you to pay close attention to this problem and to work with all partners to ensure there are no interruptions."

The deputy minister also told Putin that "an overwhelming majority of Russian suppliers have no direct long-term contracts with Czech consumers."

He suggested that the Czech side's unwillingness to take on an official commitment was the main reason why a clear supply schedule has not been established.