EU Spent €8.7 Billion on Russian LNG Despite Upcoming Import Ban

Nov 13, 2026 at 11:43 AM

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Lanka Leader

The European Union spent an estimated €8.7 billion on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) during the first ten months of 2026, despite its commitment to end dependence on Russian energy, according to an analysis by environmental campaign group Urgewald.

The amount was 21% higher than the EU's estimated spending on Russian LNG for the whole of 2025. The figures highlight Europe's continued reliance on Russian energy supplies, even as Brussels prepares to ban Russian LNG imports from January 1, 2027.

According to data from energy intelligence company Kpler, analysed by Urgewald, EU ports received 12.89 million tonnes of LNG from Russia's Yamal Arctic project between January and October 2026. This represented a 6.3% increase compared with the same period last year and accounted for 81% of the project's recorded global deliveries.

During this period, the EU received approximately one LNG shipment from Yamal every 1.7 days.

Despite the approaching import ban, European purchases continued to rise. The increase in spending was driven by both higher import volumes and rising gas prices.

In October, LNG deliveries fell by 11% compared with September. However, their estimated value increased by 2.6% to €839 million. This was mainly due to rising European gas prices, which reached €86.79 per megawatt-hour (MWh), more than twice the level recorded before the United States-Israel war on Iran.

France and Belgium Among Major Buyers

France was the leading destination for Russian Arctic LNG shipments in October, receiving 5.37 million tonnes, equivalent to 70% of EU deliveries during the month.

Spain received 2.91 million tonnes, followed by the Netherlands with 1.32 million tonnes and Portugal with 0.22 million tonnes.

However, Belgium remained the largest individual destination over the first ten months of 2026, receiving approximately 3.1 million tonnes through 42 shipments unloaded at the Zeebrugge terminal.

No Yamal LNG shipments were recorded at the Belgian terminal in August, September or October, although it continues to play an important role in the overall trade, Urgewald noted.

Urgewald campaigner Alexander Kirk pointed out that Europe's continued LNG imports also involve commercial partnerships with the United States, Norway and Algeria.

"We can end Russian LNG imports on 1 January. But switching suppliers still leaves European households exposed to gas price spikes and political pressure from abroad," Kirk told Euronews.

He called for greater investment in clean energy technologies to reduce Europe's dependence on natural gas.

"Every home we insulate or switch to a heat pump cuts gas demand. Every time wind or solar replaces gas in the power grid, Europe cuts emissions and gives gas exporters less leverage," he said.

Import Ban Could Create Problems for Russia

The upcoming EU ban could have a significant commercial and logistical impact on Russia's Yamal LNG project because of its strategic location in the Arctic.

The project depends on specialised Arc7 ice-class tankers capable of navigating frozen waters. European ports are particularly valuable because they allow these vessels to deliver LNG relatively close to the production site and return quickly for further shipments.

Without access to European ports, Russia would have to rely on longer shipping routes, increasing transportation costs and making it more difficult to redirect LNG supplies to alternative markets. These challenges could become more serious during winter, when navigation along the Northern Sea Route is particularly difficult.

According to Urgewald, losing access to the European market could undermine the economic viability of Russia's Arctic LNG exports rather than simply forcing Moscow to redirect existing supplies elsewhere.

However, the actual impact will depend on Russia's ability to develop alternative shipping routes and establish new markets.

China, South Korea and Taiwan were the largest Asian destinations for Yamal LNG, together accounting for 18.6% of the project's deliveries between January and October.

Meanwhile, questions remain over whether all EU member states will enforce the import ban without exemptions or last-minute concessions, particularly as winter approaches and concerns about energy security increase.

Urgewald sanctions campaigner Sebastian Rötters urged European governments to maintain their commitment to the ban.

"With just 50 days to go until the January ban, Europe must hold the line. No retreat, no new exemptions and no lifelines for this trade. After almost five years of war, governments must finally pull the plug on the Russian LNG business," Rötters said.