Europe Spent €5.96 Billion on 136 Russian LNG Cargoes in H1 as 2027 Ban Looms

2 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 13

Urgewald estimated EU ports received 136 of 140 cargoes from Russia’s Yamal LNG project in January-June, worth about €5.96 billion, underscoring Europe’s continued funding of Russian energy exports.
France was the top destination with 51 cargoes, followed by Belgium with 37 and Spain with 34; China, once seen as a major Yamal market, took just four shipments.
Brussels said the rise likely reflected front-loaded deliveries before tighter rules, long-term contracts that mostly run until 2027, and market disruption after the Strait of Hormuz closure.
The EU has already legislated a phased exit, with a ban on Russian LNG under long-term contracts starting Jan. 1, 2027, followed by pipeline gas contracts on Sept. 30, 2027.
The purchases highlight a wider contradiction: NATO allies are raising defense spending and sanctioning Moscow, yet Russian LNG still generates billions in revenue as the war in Ukraine continues.

Sources

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Europe’s Russian LNG Imports Hit Record High in H1 2026 Despite Looming 2027 Ban: Energy Security, Policy Shifts, and Geopolitical Fallout

Overview

In the first half of 2026, Europe’s reliance on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) remained strong, with the EU importing a record 9.97 million metric tons from Russia’s Yamal project—a 16% increase from the previous year. Despite political commitments and upcoming bans, Russian LNG imports to the EU rose by 11%, and pipeline gas imports increased by 7%. Europe absorbed 98% of Yamal’s LNG cargoes, highlighting the region’s ongoing dependence. European ports play a crucial role in this trade, as they are essential for the operation of Yamal’s specialized LNG carriers, making Russian LNG a persistent part of Europe’s energy landscape.

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