BIZNES

EU firms spend €8.7 bn on Russian LNG as ban looms 2027

Analiza

European energy groups have continued to buy liquefied natural gas from Russia despite a planned phase‑out. Data from the German weekly Der Spiegel, based on Urgewald calculations using Kpler analytics, show that between January and October 2026, 177 tankers delivered 12.9 million tonnes of LNG to EU ports – a modest rise over the previous year. The total value of these purchases reached 8.7 billion euros, with France absorbing 42 % of the cargo, while Belgium, Spain and the Netherlands together accounted for roughly 35 % of deliveries. The gas originates exclusively from the Yamal (Jamał) Arctic project, which currently supplies about 81 % of the EU's Russian LNG. Brussels has announced a complete ban on Russian LNG imports starting January 2027, although Italian oil major Eni has urged a postponement because of the ongoing Strait of Hormuz blockage.

Kontekst i Tło

The continued flow of Russian LNG into Europe underscores the gap between policy declarations and market realities. Rising prices, driven by conflicts in Iran and the Hormuz chokehold, have amplified the monetary stakes for EU buyers. If the 2027 prohibition is enforced as planned, Russia could lose the bulk of its Arctic gas export market, a blow described by Urgewald experts as potentially catastrophic for the sector. EU member states will have to secure alternative supplies quickly to avoid energy shortfalls, while Russian exporters may pivot to Asian routes that are far less efficient. The situation highlights the geopolitical tug‑of‑war over energy security in a volatile autumn market.

Komentarz Redakcji

InfoHub notes the paradox of a Europe that publicly vows to cut Russian energy ties while quietly financing the war machine. The looming ban will test the EU’s resolve and its ability to rewire supply chains before winter hits. Watch this space – the stakes are as high as the autumn winds are fierce.