“The situation related to the supply of Russian natural gas to Europe is tense but it isn't critical for Slovakia“, Economy Minister Richard Sulik stated on Wednesday. According to him, 60 million cubic metres of Russian gas came to Slovakia via Ukraine and the Czech Republic on Wednesday. Given that the next instalment for gas is due on May 20, Sulik does not expect an immediate end of supplies. Russia demands so-called unfriendly countries to pay for gas in roubles, which most EU countries have rejected. However, according to the SME daily, gas distributors from Germany, Austria, Hungary and Slovakia want to open rouble accounts with Gazprombank in Switzerland to meet Russia's demand. Among them are the largest importers Uniper and OMV. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Eduard Heger stated in reaction to Russia's decision to stop supplying gas to Poland, that Slovakia is ready to face similar moves, adding that the country will continue to pay Russian gas concern Gazprom in euros for the commodity.
Source: TASR
