* British gas prices rose today after Russia said 'unfriendly' states to pay in roubles
* Vladimir Putin said he made the decision as sanctions 'destroyed Moscow's trust'
* States include US, EU member states, UK, Japan, Ukraine, South Korea, Norway
* The move could lead to renegotiation of contracts, leading to supply disruptions
* It could also boost the Russian currency which tumbled after launching invasion
British gas prices have risen after Vladimir Putin declared today that Russia will only accept roubles as payment from 'unfriendly' countries in retaliation for sanctions imposed over his invasion of Ukraine.
'Russia will continue, of course, to supply natural gas in accordance with volumes and prices... fixed in previously concluded contracts,' Putin said, adding that sanctions had 'destroyed Moscow's trust'.
'The changes will only affect the currency of payment, which will be changed to Russian roubles' for a list of countries, corresponding to those that have imposed sanctions.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: Even before this announcement the Ruble was stabilizing .... Rouble firms past 100 vs dollar after Putin announces gas currency switch (Reuters). It closed today at 89.5 rubles to the US Dollar, not far from the 75 rubles/dollar that it was before the invasion. Check here for the latest Ruble/U.S. exchange rate (link here).
The significance of this news is that it tells me that the Bank of Russia's efforts to bring stability to the currency and lessen the impact of sanctions are working. This announcement that Russian gas and oil must be paid in Rubbles will only strengthen the currency further.
Putin Declares That Russia Will Only Accept Rubles As Payment For Gas From 'Unfriendly' Countries
Putin orders to supply gas to unfriendly countries for rubles only -- TASS
Putin wants rubles for Russian gas -- RT
Putin Orders Ruble Payments for Energy, Says West’s Freeze on Russian Reserves Undermined Currencies -- Sputnik
Putin Orders Europe to Pay Rubles for Russian Gas -- Moscow Times
Putin wants ‘unfriendly countries’ to pay rubles for gas -- AP
Russia to require gas payments in rubles -- Politico Putin says 'unfriendly' countries must now pay for Russian natural gas in rubles -- The Hill