Russia Is Set to Keep Gas Pipelines Closed and Demands That Poland and Bulgaria Pays for Fuel in Rubbles

Russia Is Set to Keep Gas Pipelines Closed and Demands That Poland and Bulgaria Pays for Fuel in Rubbles

  • Russia's Gazprom PJSC has stopped its gas flow to Poland and Bulgaria until the countries agree to pay for the fuel in rubles
  • The European Union has opposed Russia’s President Vladimir Putin’s decision but the payment deadline is looming
  • Russia has denied that it is blackmailing European countries and claims that it is a reliable supplier of energy

PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!

MOSCOW - Russia is seeming using the country’s gas as blackmail after Gazprom PJSC ceased gas flow to Poland and Bulgaria until the countries agree to its demand to pay for the fuel in rubles.

Gas prices in Europe increased by more than 20% on Wednesday 27 April. The European Union has opposed Russia’s President Vladimir Putin’s decision however, payment deadlines are beginning to close in.

Russia, gas, pipeline, closed, Poland, Bulgaria, pay, fuel rubbles
Russia has plans to keep gas pipelines closed in Poland and Bulgaria until the countries pay for fuel in rubbles. Image: Oliver Bunic/Getty
Source: Getty Images

A possible compromise was supposedly on the horizon last week to allow gas to flow, however, European Union members Poland and Bulgaria have made it unattainable. Germany is also dependent on Russian gas and the country could soon start rationing its fuel supply, TimesLIVE reported.

Read also

Mzansi citizens share Freedom Day feels, some not feeling so free: "Celebrating R350 and unemployment"

The gas company also warned that it would reduce fuel supply to other countries if Poland and Bulgaria are found using gas meant for them.

PAY ATTENTION: Never miss breaking news – join Briefly News' Telegram channel!

However, Russia has denied the alleged blackmail of European countries. The spokesperson of the Kremlin Dmitry Peskov told Aljazeera that the country was a reliable supplier of energy.

Social media users react to the Russian gas cuts

@DKHoldem37 said:

“The Russians may be pulling this stunt to keep the price up as we head into the summer when prices are usually lower.”

@glenhartman11 commented:

“German government should show some fortitude and leadership, be proactive and stop importing Russian oil and gas. Their economy is significantly stronger and will outlast the Russian economy. Call Putin’s bluff!”

Tshimangadzo Nyase posted:

“Using gas as a political weapon won't work. Those countries already have more options that's why they refuse to pay in rubles.”

Read also

Ukraine’s Embassy to South Africa celebrates freedom together with Mzansi on Freedom Day 2022

Levi Manyika wrote:

“Russia is making west countries more united together they will find a way out and Russia will collapse.”

Russia issues another "serious" nuclear war threat, wants Nato to stop supplying Ukraine with weapons

Briefly News also reported Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has issued a stern warning to NATO countries about their continued involvement in the war on Ukraine by supplying the country with weapons.

Lavrov says by arming Ukraine, the West is engaging in a proxy war with Russia. The Foreign Minister also added that the with West's continued intervention, the risk of a nuclear war is now serious.

Lavrov was speaking on Russian state television and was asked about the necessity of preventing World War Three and whether the current situation was akin to the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. Lavrov responded to that question by stating that the threat is serious, according to a report by SABC News.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Bianca Lalbahadur avatar

Bianca Lalbahadur Bianca Lalbahadur is a current affairs journalist at Briefly News. With a knack for writing hard-hitting content, she is dedicated to being the eyes and ears of South Africans. As a young and vibrant journalist, Bianca is passionate about providing quality and factual stories that impact citizens. She graduated from the Independent Institute of Education in 2017 and has worked at several award-winning Caxton associated community newspapers.

Tags: