Russian energy group Gazprom announced today that it has suspended gas supplies to Poland and Bulgaria after it failed to receive payments in rubles from two EU member states (the European Union).
Gazprom said in a statement that it had informed Bulgarian Bulgargaz and Polish PGNiG of the “suspension of gas supply from April 27 and until payment in rubles”.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said in March that in response to sanctions imposed on Moscow to punish the Kremlin’s offensive in Ukraine, the country would only accept payment for gas supplies in national currency.
Gazprom reported that as of last night, it has not received any payment for April gas supply from Bulgargaz or PGNiG.
The Russian company warned that “Bulgaria and Poland are transit countries. In case of unauthorized withdrawal of Russian gas to third countries among the amounts in transit, the transit shipments will decrease by the same amount”.
PGNiG confirmed that “the supply of natural gas sent by Gazprom has been completely suspended”.
“The situation does not affect the current supply of on-demand fuel PGNiG customers,” the company said in a statement.
Poland and Bulgaria, two countries heavily dependent on Russian gas, said they were informed of the suspension Tuesday night by Gazprom.
Two members of NATO and the European Union have said they are willing to procure the necessary gas from other sources.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said the EU was ready for a possible cut in Russian gas and was preparing a “coordinated response”.
“Gazprom’s announcement is a new attempt by Russia to blackmail with gas. We are ready for this scenario. We are working on a coordinated European response. Europeans can be assured that we are in unity and solidarity with the affected member states,” Von said. wrote Von. Der Leyen on Twitter.
source: Noticias
