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Europe imported more liquefied natural gas than ever before in 2025, according to a new report from the European Union Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER). The findings show how LNG has become a central part of the continent’s energy supply after European countries reduced purchases of Russian gas.
The EU bought 146 billion cubic metres of LNG during the year, making it the world’s largest LNG buyer. Global production also climbed sharply, increasing by 36 bcm, the strongest annual growth since 2022.
The United States remained Europe’s dominant supplier, providing 58 percent of all LNG imports. American shipments covered roughly one quarter of total EU gas demand in 2025, showing how important transatlantic energy trade has become for European supply security.
ACER said LNG trading activity also expanded significantly. More than 980 spot cargoes delivered to Europe were reported in 2025, compared with 550 the previous year. Most spot trades continued to use the Dutch TTF gas hub as the main pricing reference.
The report warns that Europe faces greater exposure to international gas market instability as reliance on LNG increases. Supply interruptions, price swings and geopolitical disputes could quickly affect the European market.
Particular attention was given to tensions in the Middle East and the possibility of disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for global energy exports. ACER estimated that a full closure of the strait during 2026 could leave the global LNG market with a supply gap of 27 bcm compared with 2025 levels, increasing competition for cargoes worldwide.
To reduce vulnerability, ACER called for continued investment in energy efficiency, a greater variety of supply partners and faster expansion of renewable energy production. The agency argued that reducing fossil fuel dependence remains important for long term energy stability in Europe.
