Poland stops Russian gas supplies

The Polish government announced that it will stop imports of Russian natural gas without waiting for the current contract to end at the end of 2022. Along with Bulgaria and Finland, Warsaw has refused to accept Russia’s new ruble-based payment mechanism, which was launched at the end of March.

“After 30 years, it can be said that relations in the gas industry between Poland and Russia have come to an end,” said Piotr Naimsky, Polish Commissioner for Strategic Energy Infrastructure.

The official added that the Polish section of the Yamal-Europe gas pipeline, previously used to pump natural gas from Russia, can be used for supplies from Germany.

“This section of gas transportation infrastructure belongs to EuroPolGaz. The section as well as the entire gas transmission system in Poland will be operated by GAZ-Sistem”, said Naimsky.

Moscow’s ruble payment system is affecting countries that imposed economic sanctions on Russia over its military operation in Ukraine and have frozen the country’s foreign exchange reserves.

Several European energy companies have complied with Moscow’s demands for payment of the ruble. Earlier this month, Brussels issued updated guidance on how EU companies can pay for Russian gas without violating sanctions imposed on the country.