European Union spent 7.88 billion euros on Russian LNG in nine months

The European Union spent approximately 7.88 billion euros on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Arctic fields during the first nine months of 2026. Data from the activist group Urgewald, based on market analysis by Kpler, shows that 12.18 million tonnes of LNG arrived at European ports between January and September, representing a 9.5% increase compared to the previous year.

Despite Brussels' efforts to phase out Russian energy, imports from the Yamal project—a major Novatek facility in the Siberian Arctic—continue to flow. Approximately 85% of the recorded Yamal deliveries were received by EU terminals. In September, France accounted for nearly three-quarters of the deliveries to the EU, with significant volumes arriving at the Dunkirk and Montoir ports. The Netherlands and Portugal also recorded substantial imports, while Spain and the Zeebrugge terminal in Belgium reported no shipments.

The continued imports occur as the EU implements regulatory measures to end its reliance on Moscow. While a ban on new energy contracts with Russia was introduced at the start of 2026, a total ban on Russian LNG is not scheduled to take effect until January 1, 2027. This regulatory timeline allows existing short-term contracts to continue driving revenue to Russia.