Slovakia warns of economic impact from Russian gas phase-out

Slovakia could face costs running into hundreds of millions of euros if it halts imports of Russian gas, a senior representative of national gas operator SPP said.

In an interview with the newspaper Pravda, spokesperson Ondrej Šebesta said Russian supplies remain the most economically advantageous for the country.

“The most cost-effective supplies for us are those of Russian natural gas. Ending its import may require higher additional costs. These will be borne not only by Slovak consumers. These increased costs in Slovakia alone may reach hundreds of millions of euros,” he said.

Šebesta added that SPP is actively working to diversify supply, holding talks with around 30 global gas producers and suppliers. Slovakia is primarily seeking to secure deliveries of liquefied natural gas as an alternative.

Under current European Union plans, imports of Russian liquefied natural gas are to be banned from January 1, 2027, while pipeline gas imports from Russia are expected to cease by autumn next year.

In April, Slovak authorities filed a legal complaint with the EU’s top court challenging the planned ban on Russian gas supplies.

By Tamilla Hasanova