EU's Russian LNG Imports Hit Record High Ahead Of 2027 Ban

EU’s Russian LNG imports hit record levels as buyers front-loaded supply ahead of the 2027 ban. In the first half of 2026, the European Union imported 9.97 million metric tons of LNG worth €5.96 billion (about $6.82 billion) from Russia’s Yamal LNG facility, a 16% rise versus the same period in 2025. Kpler data cited by the report says European buyers took more than 97% of Yamal’s total output during that half-year, despite years of efforts to reduce dependence. Total Russian LNG imports increased 11% year-on-year, while Russian pipeline gas rose 7% year-on-year. Middle East supply constraints, including Strait of Hormuz blockades and Qatari infrastructure damage, pushed purchases toward Arctic gas. The EU’s short-term LNG ban began April 25, 2026 under REPowerEU, while exemptions allow continued intake until a full January 1, 2027 ban. France, Belgium and Spain were top Yamal LNG buyers; Hungary led TurkStream pipeline gas.