Spain to ban Russian LNG imports from January 2027

Spain plans to ban imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) from January 1, 2027, despite existing long-term contracts held by Spanish companies, Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said.

Speaking at the Atlantic Council in Washington, Albares, quoted by Russian media, said Madrid would comply with the European Union’s restrictions on Russian energy imports.

“In fact, these sanctions could not have been introduced without Spain’s consent, as some Spanish companies have existing contracts. As you know, LNG supply contracts are concluded many years in advance. These are very long-term contracts. This is not something that can be resolved at the last minute, so they remain in force for decades. We intend to comply with the requirements of the new sanctions,” Albares said.

He also highlighted Spain’s extensive LNG storage and processing infrastructure, saying it could help other European countries secure supplies from alternative sources.

“This also opens up opportunities for the rest of Europe. We can help them with LNG supplies from reliable partners, such as, for example, the United States,” the foreign minister said.

Despite Madrid’s planned restrictions, Russian LNG remains a significant part of Spain’s gas imports. Enagás data show that Spain purchased 2,133 GWh of Russian LNG in the final summer month of 2026, equivalent to 7.2% of its total LNG imports, compared with 2,152 GWh in the same month of 2025. Russia ranked as Spain’s third-largest gas supplier, behind the United States, with 38.9%, and Algeria, with 34.7%.

Spain imported 42,629 GWh of Russian LNG in 2025, down from 72,360 GWh in 2024, according to Enagás. Russia remained the country’s third-largest LNG supplier by the end of 2025.

The EU Council formally approved on January 26 a full ban on Russian LNG imports from January 1, 2027. The corresponding ban on Russian pipeline gas is scheduled to take effect on September 30, 2027. Restrictions on LNG supplied under short-term contracts entered into force on April 25, 2026, while short-term pipeline gas contracts were required to expire by June 17, 2026.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Moscow could accelerate its withdrawal from the European gas market and redirect supplies to other buyers in response to the EU’s plans to eliminate Russian gas imports.

Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said Russian companies would soon redirect part of their LNG supplies from Europe to countries including China, India, Thailand and the Philippines, without waiting for additional EU restrictions.

By Tamilla Hasanova