EU imports record LNG volumes from Russia's biggest plant

• Over 97% of Yamal LNG deliveries went to EU ports, valued at approximately €5.96 billion ($6.82 billion), with France, Belgium, and Spain as the top three destinations
• The increase reflects companies front-loading deliveries before the EU ban deadline and the 2025 ban on trans-shipments of Russian LNG, keeping more volumes in Europe
• Overall EU imports of Russian pipeline gas rose 7% and Russian LNG imports increased 11% year-on-year through May 2026, despite the EU's stated goal of choking off funding for Russia's war on Ukraine

Summary

Key Development: EU countries imported record volumes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia's Yamal facility in the first half of the year, despite supporting Ukraine and implementing phased bans on Russian energy imports.

Critical Figures:

• EU imported 136 cargoes totaling 9.97 million metric tons of LNG from Yamal (January-June), a 16% year-over-year increase
• Estimated value: €5.96 billion ($6.82 billion)
• Over 97% of Yamal's deliveries went to EU ports
• Top destinations: France, Belgium, and Spain

Companies Involved:

• Russia's Novatek (majority owner of Yamal LNG)
• TotalEnergies (France) and CNPC (China) hold minority stakes

Policy Timeline:

• April: EU banned Russian LNG imports under short-term contracts
• January 1, 2027: Ban on long-term Russian LNG contracts takes effect
• September 2027: Final deadline to end Russian pipeline gas imports

Market Context:

Broader EU Russian gas imports increased in 2026: pipeline gas up 7% and LNG up 11% (January-May). Analysts attribute the surge to companies front-loading deliveries before the ban and the 2025 EU prohibition on trans-shipments, which keeps more Russian LNG in European markets.

Implications:

Campaign group Urgewald criticized the continued imports as effectively funding Russia's war effort, highlighting the contradiction between EU sanctions policy and actual energy procurement. The record imports demonstrate Europe's ongoing dependence on Russian gas despite geopolitical tensions and raise questions about energy security transition timelines.