By Kate Abnett

BRUSSELS, (Reuters) -EU businesses may be able bypass Russia’s request to get gas payments in roubles. This is possible if they pay in dollars or euros which then convert into Russian currency.

Additional conditions would be required by the companies, including a declaration that their contracts are complete when they deposit the non-Russian currency.

Moscow warned Europe that it could have gas supplies cut if it doesn’t pay in Russian rubles. Gazprombank issued a directive in March directing energy buyers to open Gazprombank accounts to make payments either in dollars or euros, and then convert those to roubles.

The Commission stated that companies need to continue paying the Gazprom currency they have agreed upon in their Gazprom contracts (MCX:). 97% are either in euros or dollars.

Russian demands should not be accepted by companies that have contracts that stipulate payments in Euros or Dollars. “This would be against the existing sanctions,” said a spokesperson for Commission.

The Commission sent an advisory to members states Thursday, stating that Russia’s proposal could breach EU sanctions as it would allow the Russian authorities to complete the purchase once payments have been converted into roubles.

According to the Commission, Moscow’s Decree does not preclude a payment process, which would be in compliance with EU sanctions on Russia for the Ukraine Conflict.

Brussels stated in the document, “There are options” that would allow companies to legally continue paying gas.

EU companies are allowed to ask Russian counterparts to fulfill their contractual obligations the same as before adoption of this decree. The document stated that the Russian counterparts can ask EU companies to deposit the required amount in dollars or euros.

It said that the process for exempting from the regulations is still unclear.

EU operators may also declare that their obligations under contract are fulfilled when they make payments to Gazprombank.

The document stated that “It is advisable to obtain confirmation from Russia that such a procedure is allowed under the regulations of the decree.”

Although the advice of the Commission isn’t legally binding it is meant to guide discussion as member countries work out ways to continue paying for Russian gas.

According to the document, companies are not prohibited from opening Gazprombank accounts or engaging in negotiations with Gazprombank to find a solution to their problems.