62% of Slovaks do not agree with the idea of disconnecting from Russian gas and oil if it would result in higher energy prices, indicates a survey prepared by the Focus agency. Only 7% of respondents approve of immediate disconnection and another 25% are in favour of a gradual disconnection over several years, which is in fact also the most realistic scenario. The disconnection from Russian energy is mainly supported by voters of the coalition, while voters of the opposition parties are mostly against.
The largest number of supporters of an immediate or gradual cut-off from Russian energy supplies are among voters of the largest governing Ordinary People party (61%) and non parliamentary Progressive Slovakia voters (60%). The majority of voters of the junior governing Freedom and Solidarity (54%) also support the move. Voters of Progressive Slovakia are the most supportive of an immediate disconnection (26%). The majority of voters of another coalition party, Sme rodina (We the Family), no longer agree with the disconnection from Russian gas and oil (55%) even if it is gradual. There is even greater opposition to this move among voters of Hlas (69%), Smer (81%) and Republika (93%).
The European Commission's official plan is to stop taking gas from Russia by 2027, and oil later. However, Economy Minister Richard Sulík admits that it could be even earlier. Prime Minister Eduard Heger recently said it would be a great success if this could be done by the end of next year. Sulík has been cautious in his public statements on the subject, which has earned him criticism from some. He has repeatedly said that an immediate disconnection from Russian gas would put Slovak industry on the chopping block.
Slovakia is currently at risk of having its gas cut off by Russia if it does not start paying in roubles. Gazprom has already stopped supplies to Poland and Bulgaria for the same reason. Slovakia is next due to pay for gas on May 20. Thus, Slovakia is one of the last countries in Europe to pay its April obligations. This gives the country time to wait and see what other countries do and whether there will be any coordinated action in the EU. That is also the current strategy of the Economy Ministry.
According to Sulík, a Russian bank has opened a rouble account for Slovakia, but it has not yet been activated because the management of SPP did not agree to the opening of the account. At the moment, the gas reservoirs in Slovakia are 22% full, which should be enough at least until autumn. The most likely short-term alternative is to import liquefied gas.
