Trump Tariffs Threaten Europe's LNG Supplies Amid Russia Sanctions

The European Union is facing another challenge to its liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies, this time due to US President Donald Trump's recent Russia sanctions. The Lindsey Graham Sanctions Act allows Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries buying Russian oil or natural gas, including those accused of helping Moscow evade sanctions.

While the law doesn't automatically impose tariffs on the EU, its practical application is uncertain and creates a new risk for European governments and companies still exposed to Russian gas. The EU is struggling to refill storage levels to at least 80% by November, with winter gas storage at the lowest level since records began in 2011.

EU Foreign Affairs chief Kaja Kallas said she 'didn't think' of the potential harm to European partners, but a European Commission spokesperson stated that the EU has 'clear expectations' that the Graham law should not impose new commercial barriers in the bilateral EU-US relationship. The US and Israel bombed Iran on February 28, leading to escalation in the Middle East and disrupting LNG transit.

Beyond LNG, maritime services at risk include tankers found carrying Russian LNG, as well as foreign ports allowing sanctioned vessels to call or receive services. A Danish ship repair yard, Fayard, has faced scrutiny for servicing Russia-linked Arctic LNG carriers.