Russian Gas Imports to the EU Increased in Early 2026

Despite the entry into force of the REPower Gas Regulation, by which the European Union began phasing out imports of Russian natural gas, data shows that imports from Russia actually increased in the first months of 2026.

According to the first report by the European Union Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER), between January and May 2026, pipeline imports of Russian gas rose by seven percent compared to the same period last year, while imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) increased by 11 percent.

An even more pronounced rise was recorded after the REPower Gas Regulation came into force on March 18, 2026. In the period from March 18 to May 31, imports of Russian LNG were 17 percent higher than in the same period of 2025, despite the ban on imports under short-term contracts that began to apply in April.

ACER notes that the increase in LNG imports is the result of a combination of several factors, including deliveries contracted before the stricter restrictions were introduced, adjustments to existing contracts, as well as volumes that remained at European terminals following the ban on transshipment of Russian LNG. The Agency also points to the current geopolitical context, specifically the efforts of European buyers to secure alternative supply sources after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

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Although the process of phasing out Russian gas has already begun, ACER assesses that its effects remain limited for now. One of the first indicators cited is a 65 percent drop in gas flows through the Strandzha 1 entry point on the border with Turkey in the period from March 18 to the end of May, compared to the same period last year.

According to the regulator’s estimate, Russian gas still covers about 12 percent of the European Union’s total gas demand.

The report also shows that long-term contracts for the supply of Russian gas remain in force in certain member states. Russian LNG continues to arrive in Spain, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, while pipeline gas is still being delivered to Hungary, Slovakia, and Greece on the basis of existing long-term contracts.

The REPower Gas Regulation envisages a complete phase-out of Russian gas imports into the European Union by November 2027. ACER will publish its next report on the implementation of the regulation by July 1, 2027, when it will be possible to more accurately assess the effects of the ban, as most measures have not yet come into force.

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