Four European Gas Buyers Made Ruble Payments to Russia: Report

Ten European companies have already opened the accounts at Gazprombank needed to meet Russia's payment demands, the person said.

Four European gas buyers have already paid for supplies in rubles as President Vladimir Putin demanded, according to a person close to Russian gas giant Gazprom PJSC.

Even if the other buyers reject the Kremlin's terms, more cutoffs after the halt in gas flows to Poland and Bulgaria Wednesday aren't likely until the second half of May when the next payments are due, the person said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss confidential matters.

Ten European companies have already opened the accounts at Gazprombank needed to meet Russia's payment demands, the person said.