Japan not to pay for Russian exports, including energy, in roubles

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno says Japanese companies will be requested to refuse if Russia asks for payments in roubles, especially in the energy sector.

That’s according to Nikkei Asia, Ukrinform reports.

Also, Japan will ban the export of luxury goods to Russia in its latest response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, effective April 5, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry says in a statement. Prohibited items include luxury cars, motorcycles, liquors, cosmetics, fashion items and art pieces.

On March 23, Vladimir Putin said Russia would demand from “unfriendly countries” to pay for Russian gas supplies in Russian roubles. The move was seen as an attempt to contain the fall of the Russian national currency and circumvent Western sanctions imposed on Russia.

Energy ministers from the Group of Seven have earlier rejected demands put forward by Russian President Vladimir Putin that "unfriendly" nations pay for Russian gas with roubles, according to Germany's Economy Minister Robert Habeck.