Report states Germany increasing purchase of Russian LNG shipments through EU ports

(MENAFN) Germany has increased its purchase of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) via other EU ports, despite previously halting direct imports from Russia. According to a report released by Belgian, German, and Ukrainian NGOs, German state-owned energy company SEFE brought in 58 shipments of Russian LNG through the French port of Dunkirk in 2024, amounting to 4.1 million tons—over six times the amount imported in the previous year.

The report suggests that between 3% and 9.2% of Germany’s gas supply still comes from Russia, routed through other EU countries. SEFE, a former subsidiary of Gazprom, has a long-term contract for LNG from Russia’s Yamal export facility, which it now directs to France for re-gasification. From there, the LNG is distributed through the European gas pipeline system. Germany had previously instructed its import terminals to reject Russian LNG, but the gas continues to enter the country indirectly.

The report highlights concerns about the lack of transparency in the EU's internal gas market, leading to finger-pointing among member states. Despite an overall 19% increase in EU imports of Russian LNG in 2024, countries like Belgium, France, and Spain argue that the LNG is mostly used by other nations rather than domestically.

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