Danish energy company Orsted warned on Wednesday that Russia could cut gas supplies after the company refused to pay in rubles, but stressed it could turn to the European market for supplies.
“Gazprom Export continues to ask Orsted to pay in rubles for the supply,” the company said in a statement.
In addition, the Scandinavian country company, “legal [de pagar em rublos] under contract,” and told Gazprom Export that he would not do that.
“However, there is a risk that Gazprom Export will cut off gas supply to Orsted. From Orsted’s point of view, this is a breach of contract.”
In response to international sanctions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Moscow said it would only accept payments for the country’s gas in rubles, and buyers must open a bank account in Russia or turn off the tap.
On the company side, Orsted insisted that from May 31, he would continue to pay for Russian materials in euros.
Russia has already stopped supplies to Poland, Bulgaria and neighboring Finland.
Since Denmark does not have any direct gas pipelines with Russia, the company has announced that it can continue to buy Russian gas in the European market.
“We support Orsted’s decision,” Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said in a statement in Brussels, where European Union leaders met to overcome divisions and reach an agreement on an embargo on gas imports from Russia.
Orsted also announced that it has replenished reserves at its facilities in Denmark and Germany to supply its customers.
According to the Danish energy agency, gas represents 18% of the country’s energy consumption per year. In 2019, three-quarters of this gas was extracted in the country.
source: Noticias
