Russian LNG imports rise before planned ban
Russian LNG imports to the European Union increased sharply in the first half of 2026, even as the bloc prepared to end purchases of Russian gas. The figures contrast with the higher prices paid by consumers in Moldova under opaque European purchasing arrangements, which the country’s leadership has presented as the “price of freedom”.
The European Union has agreed to ban purchases of Russian gas, but the measure is not due to take effect until the beginning of next year. In the meantime, several western European countries have been buying Russian supplies in record volumes and building up reserves ahead of the restrictions.
During the first six months of 2026, European Union countries increased their purchases of liquefied natural gas from Russia’s Yamal LNG project by 18% compared with the same period a year earlier. Russian LNG imports reached a record 9.89 million tonnes, with the total value of the gas estimated at €6 billion.
The largest buyers were France, Belgium and Spain, none of which is generally regarded as sympathetic towards Russia. They imported 3.6 million, 2.9 million and 2.7 million tonnes respectively from Yamal LNG, suggesting that political hostility towards Russia is one thing, while commercial calculations are another.
