EU Records Record LNG Imports from Russia Before Ban Takes Effect
The European Union has imported a record 9.97 million tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia's Yamal facility in the first half of 2026, valued at 5.96 billion euros ($6.82 billion), marking a 16% increase compared to the same period in 2025. This surge comes as member states have intensified energy imports from Russia ahead of upcoming bans set to take effect.
According to data from energy market analytics firm Kpler, European buyers consumed over 97% of the output from this Siberian facility in the first half of the year, despite prolonged efforts to overcome energy dependence on Russia. Overall, EU LNG imports from Russia increased by 11% compared to the previous year, while pipeline gas imports from Russia rose by 7%.
Factors Behind the Growth
A supply crunch in the Middle East, including blockages in the Hormuz Strait and infrastructure damage in Qatar, has forced European buyers to heavily rely on available gas from the Arctic region. Supply disruptions from other regions have made gas from Yamal an attractive alternative.
Summary of EU LNG Imports from Russia
| Period | Import Volume (million tons) | Value (billion EUR) | YoY Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| First half 2026 | 9.97 | 5.96 | +16% |
| First half 2025 | 8.59 | 5.14 | 0% |
REPowerEU Gas Regulation Details
The EU's ban on short-term Russian LNG imports took effect on April 25, 2026, under the REPowerEU Gas Regulation. However, exemptions built into the regulation have allowed European buyers to maintain or even increase Russian gas imports before the ban fully takes effect on January 1, 2027.
While LNG faces stricter initial phase-out periods, pipeline imports from Russia under short-term contracts were allowed until June 17, 2026, while long-term pipeline gas remains legally permitted until September 30, 2027.
Key Importing Countries
France, Belgium, and Spain were the largest buyers of LNG from the Yamal facility, while Hungary was the largest buyer of pipeline gas delivered via the TurkStream pipeline.
Meanwhile, Hungary and Slovakia continue to receive crude oil from Russia through the southern branch of the Druzhba pipeline as both countries have official temporary exemptions from the EU's sea ban on Russian oil.
Comparison of Key Importers
| Country | Product | Pipeline/Facility | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | LNG | Yamal LNG | Siberia, Russia |
| Belgium | LNG | Yamal LNG | Siberia, Russia |
| Spain | LNG | Yamal LNG | Siberia, Russia |
| Hungary | Pipeline gas | TurkStream | Turkey |
| Hungary & Slovakia | Crude oil | Druzhba | Ukraine |
Issues with the Druzhba Pipeline
A Russian airstrike damaged the Druzhba pipeline in Ukraine, completely halting oil flow to both countries for nearly three months. During this disruption, both countries had to rely on emergency reserves and alternative routes such as Croatia's Adria pipeline.
New Pipeline Construction Plans
In response to the disruption, Hungary and Slovakia have agreed to construct a new 127 km dedicated pipeline to transport refined oil products between their respective refineries.
The increase in Russian LNG imports amid upcoming bans highlights the complex challenges the EU is facing in its energy transition, with member states having to balance the goal of reducing dependence on Russia against ensuring energy security amid global shocks.