EU Rolls Back Russian LNG Restrictions Amid Greek Pressure

The European Union has rolled back its planned restrictions on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) by allowing European companies to continue transporting and purchasing Russian LNG for buyers outside the bloc after January 1, 2027.

This exemption was approved as part of the EU's 21st sanctions package, which had previously banned imports of Russian LNG into the EU. However, the revised sanctions now permit companies operating under contracts signed before February 24, 2022 to continue transporting and purchasing Russian LNG until at least July 25, 2027.

The exemption is seen as a significant easing of restrictions for European companies involved in Russia's global LNG export business, particularly for the Yamal LNG project. The changes also cap transport and purchase volumes at 2025 levels, allowing companies to maintain trade close to current levels.