Overview
- Russian LNG deliveries to the EU rose 16% in the first quarter of 2026 to 6.9 billion cubic meters, the IEEFA reported Wednesday, with April inflows up 17% year over year.
- France took more Russian LNG than any other European country in the first quarter and set a monthly record in January, with Spain and Belgium also driving the increase.
- LNG is gas cooled to liquid and shipped by tanker, and it made up 45% of EU gas imports in 2025, while first‑quarter 2026 suppliers across all gas were Norway at 31%, the United States at 28%, and Russia at 14%.
- The European Commission has approved a ban on all Russian gas by autumn 2027, a step that would cut off these LNG flows and require new supply arrangements.
- IEEFA warns that leaning on seaborne LNG raises exposure to price spikes and disruptions, and it projects U.S. cargoes could supply about 80% of EU LNG by 2028 after shocks from the Middle East conflict.