Russia to Shift LNG Exports from Europe to Asia in 2026: IEA

Russia plans to redirect its liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports from Europe to other markets, mainly in Asia, starting in 2026, according to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) mid-term gas market outlook through 2030.

"Russia’s LNG exports to the European Union stood at around 21 bcm in 2024 and are expected to be gradually redirected to other markets (primarily Asia) in 2026," the document says, The Caspian Post reports, citing TASS.

Earlier, the EU approved the 19th sanctions package, which includes a complete ban on LNG imports under short-term contracts from April 25, 2026, and under long-term contracts from January 1, 2027. The purchase, import, or transfer, directly or indirectly, of LNG produced or exported from Russia is prohibited.

By the end of 2024, Russian LNG supplies to the EU increased by 21%, reaching a record 21.5 billion cubic meters. In the first nine months of 2025, they decreased by 7% and totaled 15 billion cubic meters.

Meanwhile, according to Eurostat data and TASS calculations, total EU purchases of Russian gas from January to August increased by 8%, to 9.75 billion euros. Specifically, the EU purchased 4.1 billion euros worth of Russian pipeline gas and 5.7 billion euros worth of LNG.