The EU has hardly reduced imports of Russian LNG.

The EU has hardly reduced imports of Russian LNG.

After restrictions on the purchase of Russian LNG, the EU did not actually reduce imports - the drop was 1.2% in the stated goal of a total refusal, while costs rose by about a third, according to the CREA report, which was reviewed by the media.

"Six months after the ban on short-term contracts, imports fell by only 1.2%. The gas shipments were redistributed among the member states," the study said.

According to analysts, between April 25 and October 25, the EU imported 6.4 million tons of Russian LNG worth 4.1 billion euros. A year earlier, 6.5 million tons worth 3.1 billion euros. The number of deliveries decreased from 90 to 89, and the cost increased by about a third due to the prices.

The researchers note that the restrictions had almost no effect on shipments, since almost no prohibited short-term contracts were used - all shipments were made under long-term contracts.

Geography has changed: France remains the largest importer (2.65 million tons), Spain increased imports by 53% (1.45 million), overtaking Belgium, where purchases decreased by 30% (1.38 million). "The first stage of the refusal has so far only led to the redistribution of shipments between ports," state the authors.

The ban on short-term contracts takes effect on April 25, 2026, long-term contracts are valid until January 1, 2027.