UPDATE 2: Report: Embargo on Russian gas not under discussion

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ROME/PARIS/MOSCOW, Apr 22 (PRIME) -- An embargo on Russian natural gas exports to Europe may be discussed in the framework of sanctions, but it is not discussed now, French President Emmanuel Macron said in an interview to Italian daily Corriere della Sera published on Friday.

“This is an issue that may end up on the negotiating table, but not today. We are in negotiations on coal and oil, but we are yet to start them on gas. We know the scale of difficulties that it causes,” he said, as quoted by the daily.

“This is why you have been hearing for many years about energy sovereignty of Europe from me.”

He also said in an interview to French daily Ouest-France that Europe would face consequences in the winter of 2022–2023 if it rejects Russian gas.

French Economy and Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said in an interview to BFMTV television channel that the E.U. could ban Russia’s oil exports in a few coming weeks, even though no definite date has been discussed yet. Nevertheless, there are some E.U. members that express concerns and oppose the oil export ban, he said.

“We are discussing the issue of banning oil exports from Russia, because oil is the first source of currency for Russia. It gives Russia U.S. $700 million per day, that is why the ban on its exports will hit the Russian economy and the Russian authorities. We need to get an approval of all the E.U. members on this issue, which is yet to happen. There is opposition and concern,” he said.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz told German daily Spiegel in an interview that an embargo on Russian gas was unacceptable as it would not stop the military operation in Ukraine, but cause significant consequences for Europe.

“This is about avoiding a dramatic economic crisis, losses of millions of jobs and plants that will have never open again. This will entail serious consequences for our country and entire Europe, and will also hurt financial recovery of Ukraine significantly … That is why I have to say that we cannot let that happen,” he said.

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