In the first quarter of 2026, Europe saw a significant rise in imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia, coinciding with ongoing tensions in the Middle East. According to data from the energy research group Kpler, imports from the Yamal LNG project surged by 17%, reaching 5 million tons compared to the same period in 2025.
Of this total, 1.8 million tons were imported in March alone. The environmental organization Urgewald reported that EU member states spent approximately €2.88 billion on gas during the first three months of the year. This increase in imports comes as supplies of Qatari LNG have been disrupted due to damage to energy infrastructure in the Middle East and Iran’s control over shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz.
The findings indicate that the Yamal project has benefited from a spike in gas prices linked to the crisis in the region. Despite the challenges to global supply, Brussels has shown little inclination to reconsider the planned ban on Russian LNG imports set to take effect in January 2027, although a ban on short-term contracts is already in place.
The Yamal project represents the majority of Russian LNG imports into the EU, with the bloc receiving 69 out of 71 shipments from Yamal in the first quarter, accounting for 97% of the total. Notably, 25 of these shipments arrived in March, surpassing those in January and February. In contrast, during the same period in 2025, the EU received 87% of 68 shipments, with the remainder directed to Asia.
The anticipated increase in EU spending on Russian LNG in the first quarter is attributed to a sharp rise in gas prices in March, with average European prices reaching approximately €52.87 per megawatt-hour, up from €35 per megawatt-hour in January and February. The ongoing military operations involving the U.S. and Israel against Iran have added €14 billion to the EU’s fossil fuel import costs.
Gas prices in the EU have risen by about 70%, while oil prices have increased by 60%. Earlier, EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen warned that the conflict in Iran could lead to a severe energy crisis reminiscent of the oil shocks of the 1970s. The European Commission is urging citizens to work from home, reduce car travel, and limit flights, while countries are encouraged to expedite the adoption of renewable energy sources.
Europe's LNG imports from Russia increased significantly in early 2026 amid Middle East tensions, with spending reaching €2.88 billion. The rise in imports from the Yamal project highlights the ongoing energy challenges faced by the EU as it navigates geopolitical conflicts.