EU imports record volume of Russian LNG in first half of 2026

The European Union imported a record 9.9 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia’s Yamal project during the first six months of 2026, an increase of about 16‑18 % compared with the same period a year earlier. The shipments, valued at roughly €6 billion, accounted for more than 97 % of Yamal’s output, effectively absorbing the plant’s entire production.

France was the largest single buyer, taking in around 3.6 million tonnes, followed by Belgium (2.9 Mt) and Spain (2.7 Mt). The surge occurs despite EU sanctions that ban new short‑term contracts for Russian LNG; long‑term contracts signed before the sanctions remain exempt until a full ban takes effect on 1 January 2027. Environmental groups warn that the continued flow of billions of euros to Russian energy firms may fund the war in Ukraine. The EU still relies on Russian gas for about 13 % of its total gas imports, and pipeline gas deliveries from Russia also rose by roughly 7 % in the same period.