Turkey and Slovakia Secure U.S. Waiver Extensions for Russian Gas Payments
gas
Turkey and Slovakia have been granted extensions on U.S. waivers allowing them to continue gas payments to Russia, sources told Reuters. The extensions, valid until May, provide a temporary relief amid ongoing sanctions on Gazprombank, Russia’s key financial institution for natural gas transactions.
Waiver Helps Maintain Gas Supply Amid Sanctions
In November, Washington tightened sanctions on Gazprombank, which processes gas payments from European customers. To mitigate disruptions, the U.S. issued waivers in December for Turkey, Hungary, and Slovakia, enabling them to continue paying for Russian gas via the TurkStream pipeline.
While Turkey's Energy Ministry declined to comment, neither Turkey's Treasury nor Slovakia's Economy Ministry provided an immediate response. Hungary had not stated whether its waiver was also extended.
Gas Supply Dynamics Shift After Ukraine Transit Halt
Following the end of Russian gas transit through Ukraine in late 2023, Slovakia has become increasingly reliant on supplies from Hungary. However, in February, Slovakia's main gas importer SPP confirmed that Gazprom resumed direct deliveries, utilizing volumes previously allocated to Hungary via TurkStream.
