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Russia believes buyers from EU will switch to ruble settlements for gas

A number of EU countries have already changed their rhetoric around paying for gas in rubles after the publication of the corresponding mechanism, Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak pointed out

MOSCOW, April 7. /TASS/. Russia is confident that all buyers of Russian gas from EU countries will switch to paying for gas in rubles, but more information will be available in May, Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak told reporters.

"Now it’s too early to talk about it," he said and added, "But I am confident that everyone will pay in accordance with the mechanism."

"At the same time, a number of EU countries have already changed their rhetoric around paying for gas in rubles after the publication of the corresponding mechanism, they say that it is quite acceptable," Novak added.

Novak noted that Russia has not yet seen preconditions for the oil price drop from the current level above $100 per barrel. "It is difficult to forecast now because various restrictions and sanctions are implemented; there are plenty of uncertainties. Certainly, all these factors press for the price increase. That is why I do not see any factors now that, on the contrary, will influence on the price decline," Novak said.

The current oil price reflects the actual global market situation but uncertainties are still in place, related to changes in logistical chains and sanction limitations, the official said earlier today during a Rossiya-24 TV broadcast.

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