Russia's largest government-affiliated gas company, Gazprom, announced on the 27th that it has completely shut down the supply of natural gas by pipeline to Poland and Bulgaria.
This is the first time Russia has stopped supplying natural gas since Russia began its military invasion of Ukraine, and countries are becoming more vigilant.
Gazprom announced on the 27th that it has completely shut down the supply of natural gas by pipeline to Poland and Bulgaria.
The reason for the suspension is that when purchasing natural gas, it was obligatory to pay in the Russian currency ruble, but it was not paid in the ruble.
The Russian government warned Western countries, which were designated as "unfriendly countries" last month, that they would be obliged to pay in the Russian currency ruble when purchasing natural gas, "if they refuse, the contract will be suspended." was doing.
Bulgaria's energy minister has rebelled against reporters on the 27th about this measure, saying, "We are paying the April fee, and the suspension of gas supply is a breach of contract."
Meanwhile, Poland, which depends on Russia for more than 50% of its natural gas imports, emphasized that "we have taken steps to reduce our dependence on Russia, so each household will not run out of gas." I am.
Following the military invasion by Russia, measures are being taken to break away from dependence on Russia, such as diversifying gas sources in Europe and increasing LNG = liquefied natural gas from the Middle East and the United States.
However, each country is becoming more cautious about how far it can respond to a situation where the supply is suddenly stopped by the Russian side like this time.
EU Commissioner "Supporting Unjust and Unacceptable Member States"
EU President Ursula von der Leyen said yesterday that Russia's largest government-affiliated gas company, Gazprom, had stopped supplying gas to Poland and Bulgaria. The announcement to unilaterally stop is an attempt to use gas as a threatening tool and is unfairly unacceptable. It is a renewed indication of how unreliable Russia is as a gas supplier. "
On the other hand, the EU responded by saying, "In preparation for such a situation, we have been working to secure alternative sources of procurement. We are united with the member countries and fully support the people of the member countries." I showed the idea that corresponds to it.