The energy company Ørsted has the support of the Danish Prime Minister in the showdown over Russian gas. This is stated by Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen (S). Even though it may affect the supply of gas to Denmark, Ørsted is right to refuse Putin's demand for payment in rubles, says Mette Frederiksen.
- We support Ørsted. It is an unacceptable demand from the Russian side that payment must be made in rubles. It is part of the way Russia challenges us all. So we support Ørsted in their decision. And also in the words that have been spoken today, says Mette Frederiksen.
On Monday, Ørsted announced that the company will not change its mind and pay in rubles for gas from the Russian energy company Gazprom.
Instead, Ørsted has prepared for a situation where Gazprom turns off the gas taps by filling its storage facilities in Denmark and Germany. At the same time, Ørsted estimates that it will be possible to buy gas on the European market instead. Ørsted said this in a press release on Monday.
After Gazprom raised the demand for payment for gas in rubles, Ørsted was given a deadline for a response by the end of May. That is Tuesday - but Ørsted has made up its mind.
- There is therefore a risk that Gazprom Export will stop supplying gas to Ørsted, the Danish energy company writes in its press release.
Difficult situation
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen acknowledges that it could be a difficult situation for Denmark if Russia cuts off the gas. But it is the right thing to do, she believes.
- We have said from the start that we want to put pressure on Russia, and that is why we support Ørsted in this decision, says Mette Frederiksen.
In recent weeks, energy companies in other countries have worked on paying in euros or dollars and then letting Russia exchange it for rubles. This is not in violation of the EU's sanctions. But Denmark will not go that route.
- The Danish government's position is clear, and it is clearly my impression that there is support from the entire Folketinget. We do not want to play along in the games that the Kremlin is playing in this area. That is why we support Ørsted, says Mette Frederiksen.
The gas that Gazprom supplies to Denmark comes through a network of gas pipelines in Europe. That is why there are several other buyers of gas from Gazprom located between Russia and Denmark. If some of the other customers in the network want to sell gas to Denmark, Gazprom cannot stand in the way of that.
Although Ørsted may have to find new suppliers for the gas to Denmark, the company does not expect that there will be any noticeable cost in changing supplier.
Ritzau
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