Italian energy group, Eni, said on Tuesday it has started the process of opening two accounts with Russia’s Gazprom to pay for Russian gas.
According to Eni, one of the accounts is in euros while the other is in Russian rubbles.
State controlled Eni, one of Europe’s biggest importers of Russian gas said the move to open the accounts followed Gazprom’s unilateral request to amend existing contracts under a new gas payment scheme.
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“The company is going to temporarily open the two accounts without prejudice to its contractual rights, which still envisage payment in euros,” Eni said in a statement.
The company said its decision is in compliance with framework of the sanctions and in concert with the Italian government.
Eni faces a payment deadline around May 20. Russian President Vladimir Putin had demanded for “unfriendly” countries to pay for Russian gas with rubles.
Ifunanya Ikueze is an Engineer, Safety Professional, Writer, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator.