EU Russian LNG imports hit lowest level since 2022

European Union imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) fell by 46 percent month-on-month in August, reaching the lowest monthly level since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. According to a report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), Belgium ceased all Russian LNG imports in August, despite 100 percent of its LNG imports originating from Russia in July.

While the EU continues to reduce its reliance on Russian fossil fuels, it remains the largest buyer of Russian LNG, accounting for 49 percent of total exports—nearly double the 24 percent share held by China. France remains a significant importer, with French ports handling 57 percent of the total Russian LNG volume imported into the EU. The energy company TotalEnergies currently holds an import contract that is set to expire.

Under the REPowerEU regulation, the import of Russian LNG into the EU is scheduled to become illegal starting in January 2027. Other remaining importers of Russian LNG within the bloc include France, Spain, and the Netherlands.