Austria debunks 'fake news' over payment for Russian gas; 'Will continue paying in euros'

Austria will continue to pay for Russian gas deliveries in Euros, informed Austrian Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer on Wednesday amidst Russian President Vlimir Putin's clarion call for European countries to pay in rubles. Shortly after Russian state-owned gas ncy, Gazprom anunced a ban on gas supplies to Poland and Bulgaria over refusal to pay in Russian currency, Nehammer took to Twitter and slammed reports claiming Austria decided to shift in mode of payment for Russian gas.

"Austria is sticking to jointly agreed Euripean Union sanctions to point and comma," Nehammer clarified.

Earlier in March, CEO of Austrian multinational integrated oil, gas, and petrochemical company OMV, Alfred Stern said that company will abide by EU rms and "of course" continue to pay in euros. "We don't have any or basis for contract. I wouldn't be able to do orwise," he h said. Earlier in April this year, Nehammer echoed OMV CEO's stance, stating that Austria h or basis for payment in any or currencies, except for dollars or euros. However, in a major turn of events, several media including Sputnik on Wednesday, citing local Austrian media, h reported that OMV has agreed to pay for Russian gas imports in rubles. report claimed that Nehammer gas accepted Russian terms over payment mode and said y "were in line with terms of sanctions."

"Before fake news of Russian propaganda is spre furr here. Of course, OMV will continue to pay for gas delivery from Russia in euros," Nehammer said in his Twitter post.

Russia accused of using gas as an 'instrument of blackmail'

Russia on Wednesday suspended gas supplies to Poland and Bulgaria after countries refused to comply with Kremlin's demand to pay for imports in Russian currency. Russian state-owned gas mogul Gazprom, in a statement, informed that supplies will resume only after payments were cleared. In a short while after anuncement, Poland confirmed that Gazprom halted supplies through Yamal pipeline. Bulgaria is yet to update status on supplies.

Gazprom, meanwhile, has warned both EU countries against "unauthorised withdrawal of Russian gas from transit volumes to third countries" since both countries serve as transit lines to Germany and or west European nations.

European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen also slammed Russia for its suspension of gas supplies to Poland and Bulgaria. "It is an attempt by Russia to blackmail us," she said. As Russia toys with its European customers, UK Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab said that move would make Russia an "ecomic pariah," while speaking to Sky News. He ded move will leave a "damaging impact" on Moscow and furr isolate it amid ongoing war.

(Im: AP)