EU Russian gas imports rise in early 2026 despite ban

According to a new ACER report, imports of Russian natural gas into the European Union increased in the first five months of 2026. Pipeline deliveries were 7 % higher and LNG shipments 11 % higher than in the same period a year earlier. After the EU‑wide ban that took effect on 18 March, the rise continued, with pipeline flows up 5 % year‑on‑year and Russian LNG up 17 % through May.

Russian gas now supplies roughly 12 % of total EU gas demand, amounting to about 45‑55 billion cubic metres, spread across long‑term contracts that remain in force until the end of 2026 for LNG and until late September 2027 for pipeline gas. Countries such as Hungary, Slovakia and Greece still rely on these supplies, while the EU’s overall dependence has fallen from pre‑invasion levels of 35‑45 %.

The regulatory framework permits existing contracts signed before 17 June 2025 to continue temporarily, while new short‑term contracts were barred on 25 April (LNG) and 17 June (pipelines). Full bans on new long‑term contracts will start on 1 January 2027 for LNG and 30 September 2027 for pipelines, with limited exemptions possible until 1 November 2027. Russian LNG accounts for about 15 % of EU LNG imports and 5‑6 % of total gas consumption, influencing markets across several member states.