As the Ukraine crisis deepens, Russia's gas exports have taken a significant hit, with deliveries to countries outside the region plummeting by 27.6 percent in January-May, according to Gazprom.
Despite this decline, the energy giant noted that gas deliveries to China via the 'Power of Siberia' pipeline were increasing, although no specific figures were provided.
The drop in gas exports comes as Russia, under President Vladimir Putin, has demanded that clients from 'unfriendly countries' – including EU member states – pay for their gas in rubles since February 24.
This move is seen as a measure to circumvent Western financial sanctions against Russia's central bank imposed over Moscow's offensive in Ukraine.
Poland, Bulgaria, Finland, and the Netherlands have already had their natural gas deliveries suspended for refusing to pay in rubles, while EU countries are divided over imposing a natural gas embargo due to their reliance on Moscow's energy supplies.
