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Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies to the European Union increased by 17% year-on-year in the first half of 2026, reaching approximately 13.4 billion cubic meters (bcm), according to TASS calculations based on data from the Brussels-based think tank Bruegel. The rise comes as the EU prepares to ban Russian LNG imports starting in 2027, a measure finalized by the EU Council in late January.

Coverage Comparison

TASS, the Russian state news agency, reported the increase in a series of articles based on data from Bruegel, the International Energy Agency (IEA), and Spain's Enagas. The reports highlight Russia's growing role as a gas supplier to Europe despite the upcoming ban.

According to TASS calculations from Bruegel data, EU imports of Russian LNG totaled about 13.4 bcm in January-June 2026, up from 11.4 bcm a year earlier. In June alone, deliveries reached 2.17 bcm, down 4.3% from May but up 10% compared to June 2025.

Separately, the IEA's Gas Market Report, cited by TASS, indicated that Russia's overall LNG exports increased by 8% (or 2 bcm) year-on-year in H1 2026, with growth driven largely by stronger deliveries to European markets (up 18% year-on-year). The report noted that Russia remains the second-largest supplier of LNG to Europe, with most of its exports going to Belgium, France, and Spain.

Key Claims

Russian LNG Exports to the EU

TASS calculations based on Bruegel data show that Russian LNG supplies to the EU rose 17% year-on-year in the first half of 2026, exceeding 13 bcm. The total reached approximately 13.4 bcm, compared to 11.4 bcm in the same period of 2025.

Spain's Increased Imports from Russia

According to data from Spain's Enagas, seen by TASS, Spanish purchases of Russian LNG increased in the first half of 2026. Spain bought 37,356 GWh of LNG from Russia (19.7% of its total LNG imports) in January-June 2026, up from 26,208 GWh a year earlier. This made Russia the third-largest gas supplier to Spain, after Algeria (33.9%) and the United States (29.4%). In June 2026, Spain purchased 5,473 GWh from Russia, making it the second-largest supplier that month with 21.1% of the total.

Russia's Position as EU Gas Supplier

TASS calculations based on Bruegel data show that Russia ranked as the EU's third-largest gas supplier in the first half of 2026, with total supplies of approximately 22.1 bcm (pipeline gas and LNG combined). This trailed Norway (50.3 bcm) and the US (43.9 bcm), but surpassed Algeria (20.5 bcm).

EU Ban on Russian LNG Imports

The EU Council finalized a ban on Russian LNG imports starting January 1, 2027, as part of broader sanctions. Some restrictions took effect earlier: LNG imports under short-term contracts were banned from April 25, 2026, and short-term pipeline gas supply contracts had to be wound down by June 17, 2026. Pipeline gas imports are scheduled to be banned from September 30, 2027.

Context on European Gas Imports

Bruegel data cited by TASS indicate that EU nations imported 78.3 bcm of gas in the second quarter of 2026, down 4.4% year-on-year and 4% from the first quarter. Overall European gas imports in January-June 2026 edged up 2% year-on-year to 159.9 bcm. Europe's total LNG imports in June fell to their lowest level since November 2024, at 9.9 bcm.

Perspectives

Kremlin

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that, given the EU's intent to phase out Russian gas, Moscow could initiate an early exit from the European market and redirect volumes to other, more interested buyers. His statement, reported by TASS, signals a potential strategic shift in Russia's energy exports.