SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

France, Europe’s main importer of Russian LNG in 2024

In 2024, France maintained its position as the leading importer of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) in Europe, despite an overall decline in its gas consumption.

Share:

Subscribe for unlimited access to all energy sector news.

Over 150 multisector articles and analyses every week.

Your 1st year at 99 €*

then 199 €/year

SUBSCRIBE — 99 € for the 1st year

Create a free account to read this article

*renews at 199€/year, cancel anytime before renewal.

France remains the primary importer of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) within the European Union, despite a decrease in its total gas consumption in 2024. According to the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), approximately 34% of France’s LNG imports last year came from Russia, amounting to €2.68bn. This volume marks a significant increase of 81% compared to 2023. Despite this rise, Russia ranks second behind the United States but ahead of Algeria in the list of France’s LNG suppliers.

The role of Russian LNG in the French market

Russian LNG trade is not currently affected by sanctions imposed on other energy sectors, such as oil and coal. However, Russian pipeline gas deliveries have drastically fallen between 2021 and 2023, dropping to a third of their original level. In contrast, LNG imports have continued to rise. In 2024, Russian LNG volumes accounted for a significant portion of France’s imports, although experts stress that the situation remains complex to assess. The re-export of Russian LNG, notably to Germany, due to its more competitive price at certain times, may have contributed to this increase.

Geopolitical and economic implications of this dependency

While a ban on the transshipment of Russian LNG to non-EU countries is set to take effect in March 2025, Russian gas that remains on European soil, particularly in France, will not be impacted by this new measure. According to several analysts, the increase in Russian LNG imports to France may be linked to the use of reserved capacity at French LNG terminals by European companies, particularly to re-export gas to other EU countries. These flows have sparked discussions on Europe’s dependency on Russian gas, especially as French authorities highlight their commitment to reducing this dependence within the framework of the European energy strategy.

Responses from economic actors and French authorities

The French Ministry of the Economy stated that several European companies, having booked capacity at French LNG terminals, are now using these infrastructures to import increasing quantities of Russian LNG. TotalEnergies, which holds a stake in the Yamal LNG project in Russia, affirmed that it is acting in compliance with European Union decisions and reminded that its long-term contracts cannot be cancelled without incurring significant financial penalties.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
Metacon confirms partial delivery and receives EUR 14.9 million
Nano Nuclear partners with Dioxitek to strengthen Argentina’s nuclear supply chain
Ohmium reduces electrolyser footprint to 29.7 m²/MW
CATL deploys TENER Stack system in Brazil to accelerate regional expansion
Canadian Utilities secures AUC approval for Yellowhead gas pipeline project
Harvest Midstream acquires MPLX gas assets in western US for $1bn
Private firm Harvest Midstream has signed a $1 billion acquisition deal with MPLX for gas processing and transport infrastructure across three western US states.
Sempra Infrastructure and EQT sign 20-year deal for Texan LNG supply
Sempra Infrastructure and EQT Corporation have signed a 20-year liquefied natural gas purchase agreement, consolidating Phase 2 of the Port Arthur LNG project in Texas and strengthening the United States’ position in the global LNG market.
Subsea7 secures offshore contract up to $1.25bn with TP-OTC in the Black Sea
Subsea7 was selected to lead phase 3 of the Sakarya gas field, a strategic contract for Türkiye’s energy supply valued between $750mn and $1.25bn.
Japan challenges China’s installation of 21 gas platforms in the East China Sea
Tokyo protests against Chinese installations deemed unilateral in a disputed maritime zone, despite a bilateral agreement stalled since 2010.
Bp awards Baker Hughes a 90-month contract for Tangguh LNG in Indonesia
Bp has awarded Baker Hughes a long-term service agreement for the Tangguh liquefied natural gas plant, covering spare parts, maintenance and technical support for its turbomachinery equipment.
Sinopec deploys 65,000 Sercel sensors for 3D seismic survey in Mexico
Chinese group Sinopec has launched a large-scale seismic imaging campaign across 3,000 km² in Mexico using nodal technology from Sercel, owned by Viridien, delivered in August to map areas with complex terrain.
CNOOC signs two gas exploration contracts in Indonesia with EnQuest and Agra
CNOOC Limited has signed two production sharing contracts with SKK Migas to explore the Gaea and Gaea II blocks in West Papua, alongside EnQuest and Agra.
AMIGO LNG signs 15-year deal with Macquarie for 0.6 MTPA of LNG
Australian group Macquarie partners with AMIGO LNG for an annual supply of 0.6 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas over fifteen years, with operations expected to start in 2028 from the Guaymas terminal in Mexico.
ONEOK and partners launch Eiger Express project to link Permian to Gulf
A consortium led by ONEOK is developing a 450-mile pipeline to transport up to 2.5 billion cubic feet of gas per day from the Permian Basin to the Gulf Coast.
AMIGO LNG awards Drydocks World the construction of the world’s largest FLNG
AMIGO LNG has awarded Drydocks World a major EPC contract to build the world’s largest floating LNG liquefaction terminal, aimed at strengthening exports to Asia and Latin America.
Nigeria LNG Signs 20-Year Deal to Secure 1.29 Billion Cubic Feet of Gas
Nigeria LNG signs major deals with oil groups to ensure gas supply to its liquefaction infrastructure over two decades.
The European Union seals a $750 billion deal on American energy
The European Union and Washington have finalized an agreement setting $750 billion in U.S. gas, oil and nuclear purchases, complemented by $600 billion in European investments in the United States by 2028.
Sempra and ConocoPhillips Strengthen Partnership on Port Arthur LNG Phase 2
Sempra Infrastructure and ConocoPhillips signed a 20-year LNG sales agreement for 4 Mtpa, confirming their joint commitment to expanding the Port Arthur LNG liquefaction terminal in Texas.
Russia increases gas deliveries to China despite oil decline
Russian pipeline gas exports to China rose by 21.3% over seven months, contrasting with a 7.6% drop in oil shipments during the same period.
MCF Energy restarts gas drilling at the former Kinsau-1 well in Germany
MCF Energy continues operations at the Kinsau-1A drilling site, targeting a promising Jurassic formation first tested by Mobil in 1983.
Woodside accelerates LNG and dividends, adjusted capex and key projects advance
The group announces an interim dividend of 53 cps, production of 548 Mboe/d, a unit cost of $7.7/boe and major milestones on Scarborough, Trion, Beaumont and Louisiana LNG, while strengthening liquidity and financial discipline.
Norway exceeds its oil and gas production forecasts in July
Norway’s combined oil and gas production exceeded official forecasts by 3.9% in July, according to preliminary data from the regulator.
Gunvor Secures 20 Years of LNG from Mexican AMIGO LNG
Gunvor commits to 0.85 million tonnes per year of liquefied natural gas from AMIGO LNG, marking a strategic step forward for Asian and Latin American supply via the Guaymas terminal.
Merger Between Black Hills and NorthWestern: A $15.4 Billion Entity is Born
Black Hills Corp. and NorthWestern Energy merge to create a $15.4 billion regulated energy group, operating in eight states with 2.1 million customers and a doubled rate base.
Pemex bets on Pimienta and Eagle Ford to revive national energy production
The Pimienta and Eagle Ford formations are identified as pillars of Pemex’s 2025-2035 strategic plan, with potential of more than 250,000 barrels of liquids per day and 500 million cubic feet of gas by 2030.

Log in to read this article

You'll also have access to a selection of our best content.

or

Go unlimited with our annual offer: €99 for the 1styear year, then € 199/year.

SUBSCRIBE - €99