European countries have sharply increased their purchases of liquefied natural gas from the Russian Yamal LNG project ahead of new restrictions. In the first half of 2026, imports from this project reached a record level, writes the Financial Times.

According to analytics company Kpler, EU countries purchased 9.89 million tons of liquefied natural gas from Yamal LNG, which is controlled by NOVATEK. This is 18% more than in the same period last year.

According to the non-governmental organization Urgewald, the total value of such supplies could amount to about €6 billion.

The largest European buyers of Russian LNG were France, Belgium, and Spain. France imported 3.6 million tons, Belgium — 2.9 million tons, and Spain — 2.7 million tons.

Currently, EU rules prohibit the purchase of Russian LNG under short-term agreements. Each batch going to Europe must receive confirmation from the customs authorities of the importing country. Delivery is made under a long-term agreement.

From January 1, 2027, a ban on long-term imports of Russian liquefied natural gas is expected to come into force in the European Union. Therefore, the current increase in purchases is happening several months before the new restrictions.