Moldova hasn't been notified of switching to payments for gas in rubles - CEO

CHISINAU. April 4 (Interfax) - Moldovagaz has not received notification on switching to payments for gas denominated in Russian rubles, Moldovagaz CEO Vadim Ceban said.

"We have not received notification on the need to switch to payment in rubles. Payments for the ongoing gas deliveries to the country are being made in U.S. dollars. JSC Moldovagaz is acting fully in compliance with the terms and conditions of its contract with PJSC Gazprom. If any changes in the terms regulating the payment form are brought up, relevant amendments have to be made to the contract," Ceban told Interfax on Monday.

Moldovagaz has paid Gazprom for gas deliveries in different currencies, i.e. U.S. dollars, rubles, and euros, he said.

"This is envisioned by the effective contracts. For instance, most of the payments in February were made in dollars, but we also paid in euros and rubles. In line with the contract with Gazprom signed on October 29, 2021, payments shall be made in rubles and euros starting May 1, 2022," Ceban said.

Moldovagaz is fully complying with its contractual obligations, and payments to Gazprom are made virtually on a daily basis, as long as the necessary funds are accumulated, Ceban said.

In keeping with the contract's terms, Moldovagaz will fully pay for gas consumed in March and make an advance payment for April deliveries by April 20, he said.