Russia's gas action unjustified, says von der Leyen

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen on April 27 slammed Gazprom's decision to stop delivering gas to European customers who refuse to pay in roubles, after Bulgaria and Poland were cut off earlier today.

Von der Leyen called the decision "unjustified and unacceptable" and said it demonstrated the "unreliability" of Russia as a gas supplier. The EU's response was already well advanced, der Leyen suggested, with tangible roadmaps that should ensure alternative gas supplies are enlisted and that storages are fulfilled toward the end of this year.

Analysts believe the issue of roubles payments to Gazprom could open up a policy chasm between EU member states, with some opting for a harder line and risking immediate gas supply disruptions by refusing to cave in to Moscow's demand. Reuters says EU gas stores are currently 32% full, but new policies should increase this to 90% by November 1, after Brussels issued a mandate to ramp up gas storage before the winter heating season. All member states already must have contingency strategies for dealing with gas supply shocks under EU energy rules.

Poland's climate ministry said April 26 there was no immediate threat to its energy security, despite national gas supplier PGNiG now having lost access to Russian gas. It has refrained from limiting gas deliveries to Polish consumers.