The European Union has increased liquefied natural gas imports from Russia, reaching a record of 9.89 million tons in the first half of 2026.

In the first half of 2026, the European Union recorded a significant increase in liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from Russia, with almost the entire production of the Yamal LNG project reaching European ports. Member states purchased 9.89 million tons of LNG, 18% more than in the same period of 2025, generating estimated costs of up to 6 billion euros.

France, Belgium, and Spain were the largest buyers, absorbing the majority of the deliveries. Despite the sanctions, Yamal LNG relies on European infrastructure for exports, and the total ban on Russian LNG will come into effect in 2027, forcing Russia to find new markets. The Yamal project, inaugurated by Vladimir Putin in 2017, has a capacity of 17.4 million tons per year and is controlled by Novatek, with stakes from TotalEnergies and CNPC.