Russian LNG imports surge ahead of EU’s 2027 gas ban

Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) deliveries to the European Union hit an all-time high in January, even as the bloc prepares to impose a complete ban on Russian gas imports from 2027, according to calculations by TASS based on data from the European think tank Bruegel.

EU imports of Russian LNG reached 2.276 billion cubic meters in January, slightly exceeding December 2025 levels and rising from 2.05 billion cubic meters recorded in January last year.

At the same time, LNG shipments to the EU from the United States and Trinidad and Tobago increased sharply, climbing 18% month-on-month to 8 billion cubic meters. Additional supplies came from other regions, with Africa delivering approximately 772 million cubic meters and the Middle East supplying 571 million cubic meters to Europe during the month.

Bruegel data show that Europe’s total LNG imports amounted to 12.2 billion cubic meters in January, representing a 1.3% increase compared with December 2025 and a 6% rise year-on-year.

The surge comes against the backdrop of a sweeping policy shift adopted by the EU. On January 26, the EU Council formally approved a comprehensive ban on Russian gas supplies, which will prohibit LNG imports from Russia starting on January 1, 2027, and pipeline gas deliveries from September 30, 2027. Under the new rules, imports of Russian LNG under short-term contracts will be banned as early as April 25, 2026, while short-term contracts for pipeline gas must be terminated by June 17, 2026. The regulation entered into force following its publication on February 2, 2026.

Despite the January increase, Russian LNG exports to the EU declined by 5.6% over the course of 2025, totalling 20.3 billion cubic meters for the year. Overall, Russia ranked as the EU’s fourth-largest gas supplier in 2025, delivering 38 billion cubic meters, behind Norway, the United States, and Algeria.

By Tamilla Hasanova