PRAGUE (Reuters) – The economic system minister of Slovakia, which depends on Russian gasoline for round 85% of its demand, mentioned the nation couldn’t be minimize off from Russian gasoline flows and if it needed to pay in roubles it could, though it backed taking a typical European Union stance.

Russia has demanded fee for gasoline in roubles, however the European Fee mentioned on Friday European firms whose provide contracts stipulate fee in euros or {dollars} shouldn’t meet this demand.

“The gasoline (circulate) should not cease,” Slovak Financial system Minister Richard Sulik mentioned in a Sunday debate present on public broadcaster RTVS. “If there’s a situation to pay in roubles, then we pay in roubles.”

Sulik added Slovakia would proceed to work on a typical method with the EU.

Slovakia mentioned this week state gasoline firm SPP had paid its March bill for gasoline in euros, as stipulated in its contract.

Sulik mentioned the nation nonetheless had six weeks to discover a resolution earlier than the following gasoline fee is due Could 20, however Slovakia couldn’t go with out deliveries.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov mentioned on Friday the change wouldn’t have an effect on settlements till later this month.

The specter of gasoline shortages comes after the height demand European winter season, but it surely comes as European companies and households are already dealing with an enormous surge in vitality costs.

German Defence Minister Christine Lambrecht mentioned on Sunday the European Union ought to discuss ending Russian gasoline imports.