The European Union is increasing its imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) even as Brussels continues to outline plans for a complete phase-out of Russian energy supplies.
Recent data highlights the gap between political commitments and market realities, as energy security concerns continue to shape purchasing decisions.
EU Russian LNG imports rise despite phase-out plans
According to analytics firm Kpler, imports of LNG from the Yamal LNG project to EU countries rose by 17% in the first quarter of 2026, reaching around 5 million tonnes.
In March alone, European terminals received approximately 1.8 million tonnes of Russian LNG. Over the January–March period, the EU accounted for 97% of all Yamal LNG shipments, up from 87% a year earlier.
The increase reflects market conditions rather than a shift in political stance, with European buyers continuing to rely on available and competitively priced supplies.
Energy market pressures drive demand
The Financial Times reports that energy flows from the Middle East have been disrupted following strikes on Qatar’s energy infrastructure and the effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
As a result, electricity prices in Europe rose to €52.87 per megawatt-hour in March, compared with around €35 in January and February. In this context, Russian LNG has remained one of the most accessible supply options for European importers.
German environmental group Urgewald estimates that EU countries purchased roughly €2.88 billion worth of gas from Yamal LNG in the first quarter alone.
Long-term plans remain unchanged
Despite rising imports, the European Union has not revised its plan to ban Russian LNG starting in January 2027, according to FT reporting. This creates a dual-track approach, with current purchases continuing alongside long-term plans to phase them out.
US Vice President JD Vance recently criticised European countries for what he described as inconsistency in their approach, noting that the EU continues to depend on Russian energy while identifying Moscow as a key threat.
The issue has been particularly sensitive for countries such as Hungary and Slovakia, which have been more cautious about cutting remaining energy ties with Russia.
Between politics and market reality
The situation underscores the tension between geopolitical strategy and practical energy needs. While policymakers continue to stress diversification and independence, market dynamics and supply constraints remain decisive in the short term.
For now, European energy traders appear guided less by political declarations than by availability, price and the need to secure stable supplies.
