EU Imports of Russian LNG Plummet by Nearly Half Amid Brussels' Push for Energy Independence

The European Union's imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) have plummeted by 46% in a month, according to a report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).

This decline is attributed to Belgium's halt in importing Russian LNG in August, with no shipments received from Russia during this period. In July, however, all of Belgium's imports came from Russia.

Belgium's decision has left France, Spain, and the Netherlands as the only EU countries still importing Russian LNG. French ports account for 57% of total EU LNG imports, with energy company TotalEnergies holding an import contract that will expire at the end of 2026.

The CREA report notes that from January 2027, imports of Russian LNG into the EU will be illegal under the REPowerEU regulation. Despite this, the EU remains the largest buyer of Russian LNG, accounting for nearly half (49%) of Russia's total LNG exports, which is nearly twice the share of China, the second-largest market.

The report also highlights that Russia may be facing difficulties with customers in more distant markets, citing an 81% decline in oil product exports to Australia from refineries operating on Russian crude.