Russian energy company Gazprom has told Poland and Bulgaria that it will stop gas deliveries to both countries effective April 27.
Polish state gas firm PGNiG and the Bulgarian Ministry of Energy later confirmed the matter that they had been notified by Gazprom.
This indirectly makes Poland and Bulgaria the first countries to cut off their gas supplies since President Vladimir Putin urged ‘unfriendly’ foreign buyers to make payments for its gas exports in rubles.
Both countries however refused to pay that way.
About 60% of imports are paid in euros, and the rest in dollars. Putin’s request is seen as aimed at helping boost Russia’s currency amid his war in Ukraine.
European leaders refused to comply with Putin's request by saying payments in rubles meant it violated the terms of the contract with Gazprom.
PGNiG relied on Gazprom for most of its gas imports and bought 53% of its imports from Russian companies in the first quarter of this year. It described the termination as a breach of contract and they would take steps to restore gas flow.
The Bulgarians, on the other hand, depend on Gazprom for more than 90% of its gas supply. The company says it has taken steps to find alternative sources and no restrictions on gas use are needed at the moment.
