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According to a source close to Russian gas giant Gazprom PJSC, four European gas purchasers have already paid for shipments in rubles, as President Vladimir Putin demanded.
Even if the other purchasers reject the Kremlin’s requirements, more cutoffs beyond the suspension in gas deliveries to Poland and Bulgaria on Wednesday are unlikely until the second half of May, when the next payments are due, the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss confidential affairs.
According to the source, ten European companies have already opened accounts with Gazprombank in order to meet Russia’s payment demands.
According to the person, supplies were turned off to Poland and Bulgaria after they declined Gazprom’s suggested ruble payment scheme, which the gas giant claims does not breach European Union sanctions. Russia provides gas to 23 European nations through pipelines.
Following the imposition of sanctions by the EU on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, Moscow insisted that shipments begin on April 1 be paid in rubles. However, the EU informed member countries that the Kremlin’s planned system, which involved opening euro and ruble accounts with the state-controlled Gazprombank, would breach sanctions.
