The head of the Spanish port called for a postponement of the ban on Russian LNG

The head of the Spanish port of Bilbao, one of Europe’s main gas import hubs, has called for a postponement of a ban on Russian gas.

This was reported by Economic Truth, citing the Financial Times.

The head of the port of Bilbao, Ivan Jimenez, said that the EU should postpone a ban on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) planned for 2027, or it risks becoming overly dependent on the United States.

Jimenez argues that Russian gas imports should be reduced, but warns that “this cannot be done overnight.” His warning comes amid a surge in Russian LNG imports to the EU due to the crisis in the Middle East.

The main source of gas for Spain is pipelines from Algeria. However, according to data from the Spanish gas network operator Enagás, in May 27.8% of gas supplies to Spain came from Russia, which is 58.5% more than in May 2025.

According to the Port of Bilbao, in 2024, supplies from the Russian Federation accounted for more than three-quarters of the port’s gas imports, and in 2025 their share decreased to 48%. The decrease occurred after the ban on Russian supplies, in particular in favor of cargoes from the United States. In 2025, imports from the United States accounted for 49% of gas supplies to Bilbao.

But in January-May 2026, Russian gas imports increased again and amounted to 59% of the total. At the same time, the share of the United States decreased to 40%.

Earlier, USM reported that Spain became the largest buyer of Ukrainian sunflower oil.