Russia Halts Gas Supply to Poland and Bulgaria

Russia's energy giant Gazprom said it has suspended gas exports to Poland and Bulgaria because the country refused to pay for its supply in the rouble. It was after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered "unfriendly" countries to pay for the gas in roubles. Poland confirmed that supply had stopped, but Bulgaria said it was still unclear if supply had stopped.

Countries are paying in advance for gas, but Russia has adhered tits demand made last month that all the new purchases must be paid in roubles. 

Polish state-owned gas company PGNiG, which purchased 53% of gas imports from Gazprom in the first quarter of this year, called the suspension a breach of contract and added that the company would take steps to resume gas supply.

Meanwhile, in Sofia, energy minister Alexander Nikolov said Bulgaria paid for Russia's gas supply in April, claiming that if supplier Gazprom stopped flowing, it would violate the current contract.

Bulgaria, which relies on Gazprom for more than 90% of its gas supply, has taken steps to find alternative sources but said it does not need to limit gas consumption at this time.

Bulgaria also transports Russian gas to neighboring Serbia, from which it transports it to Hungary via an extension of the Turk Stream pipeline. Hungary and Austria also said the gas supply was normal.