Gas
EU imports of russian LNG exceed 2025 values ahead of ban
European Union imports of Russian liquefied natural gas have already surpassed total 2025 expenditure ahead of a looming restriction.
Key points
- EU payments for Russian LNG reached $9.6 billion between January and October.
- Higher global fuel prices followed supply disruptions stemming from the conflict involving Iran.
- The European Union remains the primary destination for Russian LNG exports.
What happened
European Union member states have spent more on liquefied natural gas imports from Russia during the first ten months of the year than throughout the entirety of 2025, according to data from the campaign group Urgewald reported by OilPrice.com. Vessel-tracking figures compiled by Kpler indicate that the bloc disbursed approximately $9.6 billion between January and October for shipments originating primarily from the Yamal LNG project.
This total exceeds the estimated $8 billion spent across the previous year by roughly 21 percent. Analysts attribute the accelerated spending to elevated market pricing rather than increased volumes. Disruptions in the Middle East, including conflicts involving Iran and subsequent blockages affecting Qatari supply routes through the Strait of Hormuz, drove global gas and LNG benchmarks upward earlier in the year.
Data from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air indicates that Russia's export revenues from unloaded LNG cargoes rose to $85 million per day in October. Concurrently, loaded volumes increased in September and October due to higher output from the Yamal facility and the Arctic LNG 2 project. The European Union accounted for nearly half of these exports, maintaining its position as the largest regional buyer ahead of China, Japan, and South Korea.
What comes next
The rising expenditure occurs with approximately fifty days remaining before the European Union implements a comprehensive prohibition on Russian liquefied natural gas imports scheduled for January 1, 2027. Until the restriction takes effect, European buyers continue to secure cargoes under prevailing market conditions.
Why it matters
The persistent reliance of European importers on Russian gas highlights the complex dynamics governing international energy trade and sanctions compliance. For African energy producers and international investors, shifting European import policies create both challenges and strategic opportunities. As traditional buyers restructure their supply chains ahead of regulatory deadlines, gas-producing nations across Africa are presented with potential avenues to expand their market footprint in Europe, provided they can scale infrastructure and secure long-term financing. Understanding these global trade shifts is essential for navigating shifting energy security priorities and investment horizons across emerging markets.
Original reporting
This article draws on the following reports. Read them in full on the publishers’ sites.
Context from CEII
Gas is the flexible backbone of many grids and the designated transition fuel in many national plans, from LNG trade to domestic LPG and CNG. Supply security and pricing drive both power reliability and emissions.
45.3% of electricity in Russia came from gas in 2024Written by the CEII Desk, the Centre’s automated newsroom, from the reporting credited above and CEII’s own data. Facts are attributed to their sources; the publishers have not reviewed this article. Spotted an error? Tell our editors.
