EU country whose gas is cut off by Russia considers buying in rubles

Bulgaria plans to discuss with the European Commission about payment for Russian gas in rublesEnergy Minister Alexander Nikolov stated in an interview with BTV channel over the weekend.

Sofia previously rejected Moscow’s new request for gas payments in Russian rubles. Bulgaria, along with Poland and Finland, did not comply with the request and was cut off by Russia.

During the interview, Minister Nikolov was asked what kept countries like Bulgaria, Poland and Finland from complying with Russia’s request while other EU countries like Germany and Italy agreed to open accounts. ruble.

According to Bulgarian Energy Minister Nikolov, EU officials have clarified that the payments in Russian currency are in violation of sanctions. Sofia hopes the European Commission will issue further guidance.

“The level of solidarity and unity must be as high as possible. If there is an exception, we will review it and see what the impact will be on the whole system,” explained the Bulgarian Energy Minister.

Russia’s Gazprom has stopped exporting gas to Bulgaria and Poland at the end of April after the two European countries refused to pay in rubles. About 90% of Bulgaria’s gas comes from Russia and the rest comes from Azerbaijan.

Meanwhile, last week, Germany and Italy allowed their companies to open ruble accounts with Russia’s Gazprombank to comply with new gas payment requirements, avoiding supply cuts.

‘s move Virtue and Italy were approved by Brussels after discussions with the European Commission and are not considered to be in violation of EU sanctions imposed on Russia following the Ukraine conflict, Reuters reported.