EU bans imports of Russian LNG from today

The decision is aimed at further reducing energy dependence on Russia and increasing sanctions pressure on its energy sector.

The European Union is banning imports of liquefied natural gas from Russia. Bloomberg reports.

The new restrictions are part of the EU’s consistent policy of shunning Russian energy resources after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The ban applies to LNG supplies to EU member states and is aimed at reducing Moscow’s revenues from energy exports.

The decision is expected to have a significant impact on the European gas market, as Russia has maintained a presence in the LNG segment despite the reduction in pipeline supplies.

For the maritime industry, the ban means a redistribution of LNG tanker flows, as well as a potential increase in the role of alternative suppliers – in particular, the United States, Qatar and African countries.

In fact, the EU is taking another step towards complete energy isolation of Russia, while simultaneously restructuring its own gas supply logistics in the face of global competition for resources.