Helsingin Sanomat: Finland ready to stop importing Russian gas in May

Finland’s Helsinki Daily News reported that the country’s government and companies are preparing to stop imports of natural gas from Russia in May.

According to the newspaper, Gazprom has asked Finland’s state-owned gas company Gasum until May 20 to respond to questions about paying for gas in rubles.

The newspaper reported:

“It is possible that the import of Russian pipeline gas to Finland and most of Europe will be stopped on May 21.”

Natural gas is mainly used in Finland for industrial purposes. The largest users are companies in the chemical and wood industries.

According to the assessment of Finnish officials, if the Russian gas pipeline is closed, alternative supplies will need to be found, for example through the Baltic Connector pipeline or by reducing production.