Headline: Record European LNG Imports from Russia in 2024 as Ukraine Halts Pipeline Gas
Lead Paragraph: Despite Europe’s efforts to reduce its reliance on Russian fossil fuels, data shows a significant increase in liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from the country in 2024. This comes just after Ukraine announced it would halt Russian gas transit through its pipelines, marking the end of a gas transit route that had been active for decades.
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Europe imported a record-breaking 17.8 million tons of LNG from Russia in 2024, according to data from Rystad Energy, marking a 2 million ton increase from the previous year. This surge in LNG imports has coincided with a decline in gas deliveries via pipeline, following Ukraine’s decision to halt Russian gas transit through its territory.
Rystad Energy gas analyst Jan-Eric Fähnrich noted the increase in LNG imports, stating, "We’re seeing not only higher volumes but also record levels of LNG imports." This trend has emerged as Europe, seeking to reduce its dependence on Russian energy supplies following the outbreak of war with Ukraine, has significantly reduced its gas imports from Russia via pipelines.
In 2024, Europe imported 49.5 billion cubic meters (bcm) of Russian gas via pipelines, a significant drop from the 155 bcm imported in 2021. Simultaneously, LNG imports surged to 24.2 bcm, with Russia overtaking Qatar to become the second-largest LNG supplier to Europe, behind the United States.
However, climate and energy activists raise concerns about Europe’s continued reliance on Russian fossil fuels, arguing that it undermines its climate goals and helps fund Russia’s war in Ukraine. They contend that Russia benefits from the sale of LNG to Europe, with the proceeds potentially financing its military activities.
Following Ukraine’s halt of Russian gas transit, data revealed by Rystad Energy sheds light on Europe’s evolving energy landscape, with LNG imports stepping in to fill the gap left by declining pipeline gas deliveries. This development underscores the complex dynamics interplaying between geopolitics, energy security, and climate change in Europe’s energy transition.
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