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Hungary says its ready to pay for gas in roubles

STORY: Hungary broke ranks with the European Union Wednesday (April 6) and said it was prepared to pay in roubles for Russian gas.The EU has tried to form a united front against Moscow’s demand for what it called ‘unfriendly countries’ to pay for natural gas in Russia’s currency.There are now just weeks until bills are due and the European Commission has said those with contracts requiring payment in euros or dollars should stick to that.But Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban did not reject Russia’s demand.”We have no problem paying for gas in roubles. If Russia asks for this, we will pay in roubles.”Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned Europe it risks having gas supplies cut unless it pays in roubles, as he seeks retaliation over Western sanctions for Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.Hungary has been one of a few EU member states to have rejected energy sanctions against Moscow.Hungarian foreign minister Peter Szijjarto had earlier said the EU had “no role” in the contract Hungary operates with Russia’s Gazprom.”As for the intention of the European Commission that there should be some kind of common response from countries importing Russian gas, we do not think that is necessary. We don’t think it’s necessary because we didn’t make a joint contract with the Russians, countries individually signed bilateral contracts.”Hungary is heavily reliant on Russian energy imports and signed a new long-term gas supply agreement with Russia last year.Orban has pursued close business relations with Moscow for more than a decade.He won a fourth consecutive term in elections on Sunday.