In 2024, Europe imported a record-breaking volume of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia, despite ongoing efforts by teh European Union to reduce reliance on fossil fuels funding Russia’s military operations. According to data from Rystad Energy, European ports received 17.8 million tonnes of Russian LNG, marking an increase of over 2 million tonnes compared to the previous year. Jan-Eric Fähnrich, a gas analyst at Rystad Energy, noted that LNG flows were not only rising but had reached “record levels.”
While Europe has significantly reduced its imports of Russian piped gas since the onset of the Ukraine conflict, it has turned to LNG shipments from various countries, including Russia. In fact, Russia surpassed Qatar to become Europe’s second-largest LNG supplier in 2024, trailing only behind the United States. Fähnrich revealed that Europe imported 49.5 billion cubic meters (bcm) of Russian gas via pipelines and an additional 24.2 bcm in liquefied form, with some of the LNG later resold to other nations.
This surge in imports came just days after Ukraine halted the flow of Russian gas through its pipelines, effectively ending a decades-old energy route that had persisted despite the ongoing war. The Center for Research on Energy and clean Air (Crea) reported that EU imports of Russian LNG totaled €7.32 billion in 2024, with volumes rising by 14% year-on-year to 17.5 million tonnes.
Vaibhav Raghunandan, a Russia analyst at Crea, explained the trend succinctly: “Russian LNG is offered at a discount to option suppliers … With no sanctions imposed on the commodity, companies are operating in thier own self-interest and buying increasing quantities of gas from the cheapest supplier.”
The EU has set a goal to phase out Russian fossil fuels by 2027 but has hesitated to impose sanctions on gas as it has on coal and oil. In June 2024, member states agreed to ban the “transshipment” of Russian LNG to non-EU countries starting March 2025. Fähnrich suggested that the recent spike in imports may have been driven by efforts to stockpile gas before the sanctions take effect.
Ukrainian activists have criticized the EU’s sanctions regime, pointing to “glaring loopholes” that allow Russia to continue funding its military operations through fossil fuel revenues. Svitlana romanko, founder of the Ukrainian climate campaign group Razom We stand, emphasized the urgency of closing these gaps: “The record levels of Russian LNG imports in 2024 are a stark reminder that the EU must act decisively to close the remaining loopholes in its sanctions regime. We are up to 15 sanctions packages now, and a full ban on Russian LNG imports is urgently needed to stop funding Putin’s war chest.”
Romanko also called for stricter measures against Russia’s “shadow fleet” of aging and underinsured tankers, as well as the closure of a refining loophole that permits Europe to import products derived from Russian crude oil in countries like Turkey and India. A recent report by Romanko and her colleagues highlighted that tighter sanctions could reduce greenhouse gas emissions from Russia’s oil and gas sector by 25% by 2030. Additionally, replacing these fuels with renewable energy could cut end-use emissions by 300 million tonnes annually.
“The EU has a choice,” Romanko concluded. “Continue financing war and pollution, or commit to a clean, secure, and peaceful energy future.”
What are the primary reasons for the increase in Russian LNG imports to Europe in 2024, despite EU efforts to reduce reliance on Russian fossil fuels?
Interview with Dr. Elena Müller, Energy Policy Expert and Senior Analyst at the European Energy Institute
Archyde News Editor: Good afternoon, Dr. Müller. Thank you for joining us today. In 2024, Europe imported a record-breaking volume of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia, despite ongoing efforts by the European Union to reduce reliance on fossil fuels funding Russia’s military operations.Can you shed some light on why this happened?
Dr.Elena Müller: Good afternoon, and thank you for having me. This is indeed a complex and concerning issue. While the European Union has made significant strides in reducing pipeline gas imports from Russia, especially after the geopolitical tensions of recent years, the rise in LNG imports tells a different story.The increase to 17.8 million tonnes of Russian LNG in 2024 reflects a combination of market dynamics, infrastructure limitations, and the global LNG supply chain. Europe has been diversifying its energy sources, but the reality is that Russian LNG remains competitively priced and readily available. Additionally, the global LNG market is tight, and Europe has had to secure supplies wherever possible to meet demand, especially during peak consumption periods.
Archyde News Editor: Jan-Eric Fähnrich, a gas analyst at Rystad Energy, noted that LNG flows from Russia to Europe reached “record levels.” What does this mean for the EU’s energy transition goals and its geopolitical stance?
Dr. Elena Müller: This is a critical question. On one hand, the EU has been a global leader in advocating for renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions. However, the reliance on Russian LNG, even if it’s liquefied rather than piped, undermines these efforts. It also raises ethical and geopolitical concerns, as revenues from these exports continue to fund Russia’s military operations. The EU’s energy transition goals are enterprising, but they require not only investment in renewables but also a coherent strategy to phase out all forms of fossil fuel dependency, including LNG. The current situation highlights a gap between policy intentions and market realities.
Archyde News editor: What steps can the EU take to address this dependency while ensuring energy security?
Dr. Elena Müller: There are several steps the EU can take. First, accelerating investments in renewable energy infrastructure, such as wind, solar, and hydrogen, is crucial. Second, the EU must expand its LNG import capacity from non-Russian sources, such as the United States, Qatar, and Australia. This requires building new terminals and strengthening partnerships with these countries. Third, energy efficiency measures and demand-side management can reduce overall consumption, easing the pressure to import LNG. the EU should consider stricter regulations or tariffs on Russian LNG imports to align its energy policies with its geopolitical objectives.
archyde News Editor: Do you think the EU’s current policies are sufficient to achieve these goals, or is a more radical approach needed?
Dr. Elena Müller: The current policies are a step in the right direction, but they are not sufficient. The EU needs a more radical and coordinated approach. This includes setting binding targets for reducing LNG imports, increasing funding for renewable energy projects, and fostering innovation in energy storage and grid management. Additionally,the EU must work more closely with member states to ensure that national energy policies align with broader European goals. without a unified and aggressive strategy, the EU risks falling short of its energy transition and geopolitical objectives.
Archyde News Editor: what message would you like to send to policymakers and the public regarding this issue?
Dr. Elena Müller: My message is clear: the time for half-measures is over. The EU has the resources, technology, and political will to achieve energy independence and lead the global transition to a sustainable future. However, this requires bold decisions and a collective effort. Policymakers must prioritize long-term energy security and climate goals over short-term economic gains. The public, to, has a role to play by supporting renewable energy initiatives and holding leaders accountable. Together, we can build a resilient and sustainable energy system that aligns with our values and aspirations.
Archyde News Editor: Thank you, Dr. Müller, for your insightful analysis. This is a critical issue, and your expertise has provided valuable clarity on the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Dr.Elena Müller: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to contribute to this vital discussion.
