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From Russian LNG Imports Continue Despite EU Energy Phase-Out Goals

How could the persistence of Russian LNG imports affect the Netherlands' energy security?

Possible What happens if… A possibility worth considering, not a forecast.

Continued Russian LNG imports may increase energy supply risks for the Netherlands. The continued import of Russian Arctic LNG exposes the European Union's deep reliance on Russian energy, which increases systemic supply risks for member states like the Netherlands. The reports note that the EU received a record 12.18 million tonnes of Russian LNG between January and September this year, and the Netherlands alone imported 146.461 million tonnes of this gas. This reliance occurs while the bloc faces a brutal energy crisis, making Brussels increasingly vulnerable to external factors, such as potential sanctions from the US under the Lindsey Graham Act.

Reported by 1 independent outlet Written Oct 11
Effect
Strong negative
How direct
2 steps, 1 inferred by Brind
When
Over the long term
The story
Gone quiet

How it reaches Netherlands

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The facts so far

As reported. Each one links to where it comes from.

  • Europe paid around €7.88 billion for LNG from Russia’s Arctic energy project in the first nine months of 2026.euronews.com
  • A record of 12.18 million tonnes of Russian LNG reached European ports between January and September this year.euronews.com
  • The Netherlands imported 146.461 million tonnes of LNG.euronews.com
  • A complete ban on Russian LNG is scheduled to take effect on 1 January 2027.euronews.com

Why it matters

The persistence of the Russian LNG trade challenges the EU's long-term commitment to severing energy ties with Moscow. For the Netherlands and other major importers, this reliance means that short-term bans or restrictions are proving ineffective, as evidenced by September deliveries reaching 792,440 tonnes, slightly above the level a year earlier.

This situation also places the EU in a precarious geopolitical position, as the US administration, through the Lindsey Graham Act, now holds the power to sanction Russian LNG deliveries to Europe before the EU's full import ban takes effect in 2027.

What we don't know yet

  • How will the EU's phase-out starting in 2027 affect the logistical challenges and export volumes of the Yamal project?
  • What are the consequences for European gas prices if additional trade disruption occurs on top of the loss of LNG from the Middle East?

What would change this answer

The US President exercises the power under the Lindsey Graham Act to sanction Russian LNG deliveries before the 2027 embargo.This would immediately disrupt the supply chain, forcing European buyers like the Netherlands to rapidly secure alternative, potentially more expensive, energy sources.
The EU successfully closes loopholes, particularly those supporting the Arc7 ice-class tanker fleet, through the upcoming 22nd sanctions package.This could pile pressure on Russia's ability to sustain Arctic LNG exports, reducing the overall supply available to European ports.

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  • About Africa EMEA

    As the EU seeks to reduce its reliance on Russian LNG, what role might African energy producers play in diversifying European energy supplies?

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The full eventRussian LNG Imports Continue Despite EU Energy Phase-Out Goals Everything aboutNetherlands

Brind's analysis is written by AI from the reporting linked above and can be wrong. This explainer is a possibility worth considering, not a forecast: steps marked as Brind's reasoning are not stated in the reporting. It is not investment advice; do your own research.