European Union countries imported 14% more liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia in June than in the same month last year, according to German newspaper Welt am Sonntag, citing data from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).
Russia’s daily revenues from raw material sales rose to around €60 million ($69.3 million), with France remaining the largest buyer of Russian LNG, the report said.
In June alone, LNG deliveries to the French port of Montoir-de-Bretagne were four times higher than in May, according to the newspaper.
Russian natural gas accounted for 13.4% of the EU’s total gas imports in the second quarter of this year, Welt am Sonntag reported, citing data from Brussels-based economic think tank Bruegel.
The figures come as global gas markets face renewed pressure amid the US war on Iran. Qatar, one of the world’s largest LNG exporters, has effectively dropped out of some supply chains, increasing concerns over alternative sources of gas for European markets.
Russian gas has maintained roughly the same share of EU imports since 2022, despite efforts by the bloc to reduce its dependence on Moscow.
In January, the EU Council approved regulations aimed at gradually phasing out Russian LNG and pipeline gas imports.
The continued rise in Russian LNG purchases highlights the challenge facing the EU as it seeks to cut its reliance on Russian energy while securing sufficient supplies amid growing geopolitical tensions.
The development also underscores France’s continued role as a major entry point for Russian LNG into the European market, despite the bloc’s broader efforts to diversify its energy supplies.
