EU imports of LNG from Russian Yamal project surge 18% in 2026

European Union countries increased LNG imports from the Russian Arctic Yamal LNG project by 17.9% during the first five months of 2026 compared to the same period last year, reaching 11.54 bcm. This is evidenced by monitoring data from the environmental organization Urgewald.

"EU imports of LNG from the Russian Arctic continue to rise. The short-term contract ban has had no visible effect so far due to timing gaps in the rules," noted Sebastian Rötters, a sanctions expert at the organization.

In total, 114 tankers arrived at European terminals between January and May, accounting for 96.7% of the project's total exports. In May alone, EU ports received 23 cargoes totaling 2.34 bcm, which is 20.7% higher compared to May 2025.

Spain became the largest importer in May, receiving 0.81 bcm, and has increased its purchases by 45% since the beginning of the year to 2.94 bcm. The Belgian port of Zeebrugge remains the primary European entry point for the fuel. The value of the entire delivered volume over the five months is estimated at €4.4 billion ($5 billion).

As previously reported, a ban on the re-export of Russian LNG through European ports took effect in the EU in 2025; however, this did not lead to a decrease in Novatek's total export volumes, as the gas began to be imported directly into the EU internal market. Restrictions on purchases under certain short-term contracts also came into force in April 2026.