OMV talks to Gazprom on rouble demand, Austria says it will pay in euros
Adds minister and chancellor comments on contracts, payment
VIENNA, April 1 (Reuters) - Austrian energy firm OMVOMVV.VI and Russia's Gazprom GAZP.MM have had initial contact about paying for natural gas in roubles, an OMV spokesperson said on Friday, as Austria stressed there was no basis for payment in any currency other than euros or dollars.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is demanding foreign buyers pay for gas in roubles from Friday or risk having their supplies cut off. With weeks left before bills are due, governments in Europe, which relies on Russia for more than a third of its gas, are talking to energy companies about that demand.
The spokesperson said on Friday morning that OMV was awaiting written information from Gazprom. By Friday night, Austrian Energy Minister Leonore Gewessler told national broadcaster ORF the information had arrived.
Documents have been handed over. They are currently being examined in detail by OMV but according to what we know at present, it is the case that payments can continue to be made in euros, Gewessler told ORF.
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