Francesco Guarascio and Kate Abnett

BRUSSELS (Reuters). BRUSSELS (Reuters). Companies and governments were in conflict over Moscow’s rouble–for-gas payment system. European officials promised additional guidance about whether Russian gas purchase can be compliant with sanctions, and Russia stated that there was no problem.

Russia cut off gas supplies from Poland and Bulgaria Wednesday afternoon after refusing to follow a Russian presidential decree for gas payments made in rubles. There were concerns about other countries being next affected.

Germany, which imports approximately half of its Russian gas, announced Friday that it can set up special accounts with Gazprombank for Russian energy companies to pay Russian gas. The account will not be subject to sanctions. However, if they are able to send euros or dollars, this would satisfy their contractual obligations.

This did not include whether or not companies can do the same and also open an account for roubles as Russia asked, which would be in compliance with EU sanctions.

Orsted in Denmark (OTC) stated that it does not intend to open a Russian rouble account, but declined comment about payment in other currencies. Italy’s ENI (BIT:), also stated that it has not opened an account for roubles.

Russia’s scheme requires that buyers deposit money, either in dollars or euros, into Gazprombank (a privately owned Russian bank). Gazprombank will then convert the proceeds into roubles. The foreign buyer can transfer the Russian currency payment to Gazprom (MCX).

On Monday, the EU’s ministers of energy will hold an emergency meeting in order to respond to Russia’s demands.

According to the EU Executive, The European Commission has stated that countries could make payments in compliance with sanctions if they declare their payments have been completed after it was made in euros, and before it’s converted into rubles.

However, EU nations have expressed their desire for more clarity. Germany, which is the largest economy in the bloc and one of the most dependent upon Russian gas, said it could not afford to stop purchasing Russian supply, even though it was taking steps to seek out alternative energy sources.

A European Commission official stated to Reuters Friday that extra guidance will be provided for EU members following complaints from certain countries. The ambiguity could lead different countries to have different interpretations about what was allowed.

Russia said Friday that it had no problems with the system as proposed.

Elvira Nabibullina, Governor of the Russian Central Bank, stated that if the buyers observe the procedure and there is no problem for the bank selling currency on stock exchanges due to restrictions by foreign countries, there will not be any barriers to receiving and paying.

Moscow’s demand of roubles payments has aided the rouble. On Friday, the currency reached its highest point versus the euro for more than two decades. This was supported by capital controls after the central bank reduced interest rates for the second consecutive month.

European gas prices are at record highs since Russia invaded Ukraine. They were slightly higher on Friday.

HELPFUL “MESSINESS”

What is central to confusion for European buyers? Russia may only accept the payment as complete once the gas-to-roubles exchange is completed. This transaction, however, would also involve Russia’s central banks which are subject to EU sanctions.

A diplomat from the EU spoke under anonymity to admit that some degree of uncertainty could help in preventing any further divisions between member countries. Each country has a different level of dependence on Russia, and they have different payment deadlines.

The diplomat stated that “in the circumstances, it might just be preferable to have a little bit more chaos.”

Gazprom contracts in Poland and Bulgaria expire this year. This means that they are already looking for alternatives. Poland has a very strong gas stock of around 77%.

Austria’s OMV,, which has a contract with Gazprom until 2040, said it was analysing how a change could be implemented for it to pay in roubles without breaching sanctions when next payment is due in May.

Germany’s Friday advice echoed the one given last week by the Commission. However, the Commission warned that Russia’s plan could be violated if it is not fully followed.

RWE and Uniper are the two largest energy companies in Germany.

EnBW’s VNG unit said Friday that it will adhere to the law in paying Russian volumes as required by current currency requirements. The VNG unit also stated it won’t reveal specific details regarding contracts it has made with suppliers.