EU achieves record Russian LNG imports in first half despite sanctions

European Union countries imported approximately 9.9 million tons of liquefied natural gas from Russia's Yamal LNG facility in the first six months of 2025, reaching an all-time high. This represents an 18 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

Scraper SystemJuly 13, 2026, 08:40 PM

EU achieves record Russian LNG imports in first half despite sanctions

Despite energy sanctions against Russia, the European Union reached a record level of Russian LNG imports in the first half of this year. According to figures from data analytics firm Kpler, EU countries purchased 9.9 million tons of LNG from the Yamal LNG facility in the January-June period, totaling 136 cargoes.

This import represents an increase of about 18 percent compared to the same period last year and is the highest volume ever recorded. More than 97 percent of shipments from Yamal LNG went directly to EU ports.

Among the top importing countries, France led with approximately 3.6 million tons. It was followed by Belgium with 2.9 million tons and Spain with 2.7 million tons. The total value of these purchases is estimated to have reached around 6 billion euros.

Russian energy giant Novatek, which holds the majority stake in the Yamal LNG project, is at the center of this trade. The EU had decided to phase out Russian gas imports in order to cut Russia's energy revenues due to the war in Ukraine.

In this context, the Union banned imports of Russian LNG under short-term contracts from April. Purchases under long-term contracts will end on January 1, 2027. Pipeline gas imports from Russia will also be completely halted by the end of September 2027.

Source: Anadolu Ajansı

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