MOSCOW, KOMPAS.TV – Russia only accepts gas payments from “unfriendly countries” in Europe in rubles. If these countries refused, Peskov called Moscow “unwilling to donate” by sending gas for free.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that President Vladimir Putin’s policy of announcing gas exports to “unfriendly countries” in Europe could only be paid for in rubles.
The country list includes 48 countries including all members of the European Union, the United States (US), and the United Kingdom.
The Kremlin’s move is seen as Putin’s retaliation for the economic sanctions that have ensnared Russia. Successive sanctions significantly limited Russia’s financial capabilities. Thus, the Kremlin needs rubles for funding.
Also Read: Putin Requires Russian Gas Exports in Ruble, European Gas Prices Jump 21 Percent
The policy of having to pay for gas in rubles will also strengthen Russia’s finances. This is because Russian gas currently fulfills up to 40% of Europe’s gas needs.
According to Peskov, Russia is currently working on adjustments to accommodate gas payments using rubles. Russia’s gas contracts to Europe are generally agreed to be paid for in euros.
“Currently all modalities are being built by existing departments, with Gazprom (Russian energy state-owned enterprise), also with balance adjustments,” Peskov was quoted as saying. TASSMonday (27/3/2022).
Russia’s own gas importing countries are known to object to the Kremlin’s policy. Germany says Moscow violated the contract with its new policy.
Vladimir Putin asked his staff to complete the new gas export policy before March 31. However, it is not yet known whether the sanctions retaliation from Russia will be successful.
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