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EU Countries Imported Record Russian LNG Despite Upcoming Ban
🇱🇹 Lithuania /Economy & Trade

EU Countries Imported Record Russian LNG Despite Upcoming Ban

From Delfi · () Lithuanian

Translated from Lithuanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • EU countries imported a record amount of Russian liquefied natural gas in the first half of 2026, with imports reaching 9.89 million tons.
  • France, Belgium, and Spain were the largest buyers, with imports increasing by 18% compared to the same period in 2025.
  • While current imports are allowed under long-term contracts, the EU will ban them entirely from January 1, 2027, forcing Russia to find new markets.

European Union countries imported a record volume of Russian liquefied natural gas in the first half of 2026, despite ongoing sanctions and energy diversification efforts.

Imports from Russia's Yamal LNG plant reached 9.89 million tons during the period. This figure represents an 18% increase compared to the first half of 2025. France, Belgium, and Spain emerged as the primary purchasers of this Russian gas.

Currently, the EU permits such imports only under existing long-term contracts, with customs authorities needing to approve each shipment. However, a complete ban on importing Russian liquefied natural gas, even under long-term agreements, is set to take effect on January 1, 2027. This impending prohibition will compel Russia to seek alternative markets for its energy exports.

The report notes that this simplified version was prepared using artificial intelligence, developed by scientists at Vytautas Magnus University in collaboration with the news agency ELTA, and has been reviewed and approved by an editor.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Delfi in Lithuanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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