Brussels: Europe's imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) experienced a 14% increase in June compared to the same month last year, even as the European Union remains committed to ending its reliance on Russian energy by 2027.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) reported that Russia's revenues from these LNG sales reached approximately £60 million per day, with France emerging as the largest buyer. The French port of Montoir significantly increased its imports, receiving quantities more than four times higher than in May. Data from the Bruegel research center in Brussels indicated that Russian gas constituted 13.4% of total European gas imports in the second quarter.
These developments occur as Brussels aims to cease Russian LNG imports by early 2027 and halt imports of Russian pipeline gas by October of this year. In line with the phase-out plan, the European Union has implemented stricter regulations for gas imports from Trkiye, mandating proof that the gas is not of Russian origin. Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar highlighted an increasing European interest in Turkey's gas, especially from the Sakarya gas field. However, Ankara's dependence on Russian gas pipelines complicates the identification of the origin of mixed supplies.
In efforts to diversify energy sources, Germany has turned to Azerbaijani gas, marking its first arrival via pipelines, as announced by SOCAR, the state oil company of the Republic of Azerbaijan. These strategic moves by European nations come amidst tensions in the global gas markets and disruptions to LNG supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, intensifying the continent's need to secure alternative and reliable energy sources.