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The European Union has significantly increased its reliance on liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia in early 2026, despite its stated goal of phasing out all Russian gas imports within the next two years.
Data from energy analytics firm Kpler shows that nearly all LNG exported from Novatek’s Yamal project in the first quarter was purchased by EU countries. Novatek, Russia’s second-largest gas company after Gazprom, saw European buyers take 69 of the 71 cargoes shipped from the Yamal Peninsula between January and March. This included a particularly high volume in March, when 25 shipments, totaling about 1.8 million tonnes, were delivered.
Overall, EU imports from Yamal LNG reached approximately 5 million tonnes during the quarter, marking a 17% increase compared to previous levels. As a result, European spending on this fuel rose to around €2.88 billion.
This surge comes even as the EU continues efforts to diversify its energy sources. Limited availability of competitively priced alternatives has made it difficult to fully replace Russian supplies. At the same time, disruptions affecting energy flows from the Middle East have contributed to higher gas prices, further complicating the transition.
The increase in purchases also coincides with the EU’s timeline for restricting Russian gas. A first step will take effect on April 25, when spot market purchases of Russian LNG will be prohibited. Restrictions are planned to follow, including a complete ban on LNG imports by early 2027 and a halt to pipeline gas later that year.
Meanwhile, European countries face practical energy challenges. After drawing down reserves over the winter, they must now rebuild gas storage levels, even though demand is currently low due to seasonal factors. This need to restock supplies is reinforcing short-term dependence on Russian LNG, despite long-term policy goals to eliminate it.
