Speaking at a press conference on March 31, German Economy Minister Robert Habeck said that he had not seen a new decree of Russian President Vladimir Putin, adding that Berlin was ready for all scenarios, including the case of Russia stopping. gas supply to Europe.
Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the country would stop supplying gas to “unfriendly” countries if it did not pay in rubles.
According to the decree signed by President Putin, the buyer must open a special account at the state-owned Gazprombank and exchange foreign currency into rubles to make gas purchases, according to Bloomberg.
Along with Germany, French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said that Paris and Berlin rejected Moscow’s request.
“Russia’s attempt to divide its Western ally by demanding that it buy gas in rubles has failed,” Habeck said, stressing that the West is determined not to be “threatened” by Moscow.
Reuters quoted Habeck as saying he and his French counterpart Le Maire discussed new sanctions against Russia, but declined to provide further details.
Earlier, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that German companies would continue to buy Russian gas in euros, according to the agreements in the contract already signed.
Berlin on March 30 activated an emergency process to monitor gas imports and storage, and called on citizens and production companies to reduce gas consumption, in case Russia stops supplying gas. energy supply.
The German chancellor said the country expects to be independent from oil and coal imports from Russia this year, but will need more time to become independent from gas from Moscow.