Spain Sees Surge in Russian Gas Imports Amid EU Ban Plans

Spain has seen a significant increase in its imports of Russian gas, with purchases rising by 42% during the first half of 2026. According to CORES data, Russia has become a more prominent supplier to Spain, reaching 37,172 GWh in the first six months of the year.

However, this increase does not necessarily mean that Spain is committing to rely more heavily on Russian gas. The country's supply structure has changed due to the disappearance of liquefied natural gas shipments from Qatar, leaving space for other suppliers to fill the gap.

The European Union's plan to ban gas imports from Russia will likely require Spain to adapt its contracts and sources of supply. Fortunately, Spain has a diversified network of regasification plants that can receive liquefied natural gas from various countries, including Algeria, which also maintains a significant role as a gas supplier to Spain.

The impact on prices is not automatic, as the final cost depends on factors such as international gas prices, demand, and contract conditions. The evolution of reserves will also be crucial in determining price pressure during the next winter.