Belgium’s Russian LNG imports rise despite EU ban
The increase comes after a European ban that took effect on March 27, which blocks the transit of Russian LNG through EU ports when it is destined for countries outside the bloc. This step forms part of the EU’s 14th round of sanctions introduced in response to the war in Ukraine and specifically targets the re-export of Russian LNG to third markets, particularly in Asia.
While the restrictions were designed to reduce Russia’s access to international gas markets, they have produced unexpected consequences in Belgium. With onward shipment no longer permitted, growing quantities of Russian LNG are instead being fed directly into Europe’s gas system via Belgian facilities.
As stated by reports citing recent data, Russia’s main gas exporter, through its LNG operations, supplied 35.2 terawatt-hours of LNG to Belgium during the seven months following the implementation of the transit ban.
In contrast, figures from the same April-to-October period over the previous three years show that roughly 20 terawatt-hours of Russian LNG typically entered the Belgian network. This marks an increase of more than two-thirds in net imports.
According to official economic data referenced in reports, the surge is also reflected in trade values. During July and August, the monetary value of LNG imports from Russia reportedly tripled compared with the same months a year earlier.
The current transit restriction is widely viewed as an interim measure, paving the way for a complete EU ban on Russian gas imports, which is scheduled to come into force in 2027.
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