Will There Be Difficulties in Paying for Russian Gas? Peskov Comments

The press secretary of the Russian president, Dmitry Peskov, has stated to reporters that the countries paying for Russian gas under the new scheme do not face additional difficulties or losses.

Peskov emphasized that deliveries under different contracts and schemes are paid at different times. “I cannot say when the last period will come; only Gazprom knows that. The order is in effect. For those who are acquiring under this scheme, no additional difficulties or losses arise,” said Peskov.

According to the new scheme, Gazprombank will open special currency and ruble accounts for foreign buyers to make payments for gas. The buyer will be able to transfer money to the first account in the currency specified in the gas supply contract, and the bank will sell it on the Moscow exchange, after which the payment for gas will be made in rubles.

Due to Bulgaria's and Poland's refusal to switch to this scheme, Gazprom ceased supplies to those countries on April 27.