Eni is preparing to open ruble accounts with Gazprombank, which will meet Russia’s new requirements to pay for gas in local currency. The company allegedly takes this step just in case, as it has simultaneously asked the Italian government and the EU to clarify the possibility of using these accounts.
Prior to this, Eni did not use rubles to pay for blue fuel. The oil and gas giant paid in euros, and the next round of payments is scheduled for the second half of May.
Earlier, the EU announced a violation of anti-Russian sanctions in case of payment in rubles. However, later the European Union detailed the principles of settlements, leaving loopholes for energy companies to comply with the requirements of the Russian Federation.
Italy covers 40% of its needs with Russian gas. Prime Minister Mario Draghi is actively seeking a replacement for fuel from Russia and has already signed new contracts with suppliers from North Africa.
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