Russian LNG exports to Europe fall by 10% in 2023

According to a GIIGNL report, Russian LNG exports to Europe are set to fall by 10% in 2023, while the global LNG market is experiencing a slowdown.

Share:

GNL russe Europe États-Unis 2023

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

By 2023, volumes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exported from Russia to Europe have fallen by 10%, representing 11.5% of European LNG imports, compared with 12.8% in 2022. These data, taken from a report by the International Group of Liquefied Gas Importers (GIIGNL), testify to the significant changes in the European energy market since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Europe, seeking to diversify its gas supply sources, has turned to LNG to compensate for the reduction in Russian gas imports via onshore pipelines. The European Union is now considering targeting Russian LNG as part of a new sanctions package, banning its transshipment via the EU to third countries.

The United States, the world’s leading supplier of LNG

By 2023, the USA has become the world’s leading LNG exporter, with a market share of 21% and a total volume of 84.5 million tonnes, up 12% on 2022. TotalEnergies has also stepped up its investment in LNG in the USA. Russia is now the world’s 4th largest exporter, behind Qatar and Australia.
The United States will also remain France’s leading LNG supplier in 2023, with a market share of 46%, followed by Russia (16%) and Algeria (15%). The latter has seen its share increase from 12% to 15% by 2022.

A moderately growing global market

Globally, the LNG market grew by a modest 2.1% in 2023, reaching 401 million tonnes. This growth, mainly driven by Asia and in particular China, which will become the world’s leading importer of LNG in 2023, marks a slowdown compared to the 5.6% expansion recorded in 2022.
According to the GIIGNL report, this more moderate growth signals a phase of market stabilization, following a period of high volatility linked to the 2022 energy crisis. Industry players will have to adapt to this new context, by diversifying their sources of supply and investing in more flexible and resilient infrastructures.
The European LNG market is undergoing a profound transformation, marked by reduced dependence on Russian gas and diversification of supply sources. Against this backdrop, the United States is asserting itself as a major player, while the global market is entering a phase of more moderate growth and stabilization.

Pipeline natural gas deliveries from Russia to the European Union dropped by 44% in 2025, reaching their lowest level in five decades following the end of transit via Ukraine.
AltaGas has finalised a labour agreement with union ILWU Local 523B, ending a 28-day strike at its Ridley Island propane terminal, a key hub for Canadian exports to Asia.
Amber Grid has signed an agreement to maintain gas transit to Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave, with a daily capacity cap of 10.5 mn m³ until the end of 2030, under a framework regulated by the European Union.
Lebanon engages in a memorandum of understanding with Egypt to import natural gas and support its electricity production, with infrastructure rehabilitation and active funding searches required to secure delivery.
Australian producer Woodside has signed a binding agreement with Turkish state-owned company BOTAŞ for the delivery of 5.8 billion cubic metres of LNG starting in 2030.
Condor Energies has completed a $13.65mn private financing to deploy a second drilling rig and intensify a 12-well gas programme in Uzbekistan scheduled for 2026.
After a hiatus of more than four years, Myanmar has resumed liquefied natural gas deliveries, receiving a half-cargo in November to supply two state-funded power generation projects.
The Australian government will require up to 25% of gas extracted on the east coast to be reserved for the domestic market from 2027, in response to supply tensions and soaring prices.
Baker Hughes will deliver six gas refrigeration trains for Commonwealth LNG’s 9.5 mtpa export project in Louisiana, under a contract with Technip Energies.
Shanghai Electric begins a combined-cycle expansion project across four Iraqi provinces, aiming to boost energy efficiency by 50% without additional fuel consumption.
Zefiro Methane, through its subsidiary Plants & Goodwin, completes an energy conversion project in Pennsylvania and plans a new well decommissioning operation in Louisiana, expanding its presence to eight US states.
The Council of State has cancelled the authorisation to exploit coalbed methane in Lorraine, citing risks to the region's main aquifer and bringing an end to a legal battle that began over a decade ago.
Japanese power producer JERA will deliver up to 200,000 tonnes of liquefied natural gas annually to Hokkaido Gas starting in 2027 under a newly signed long-term sale agreement.
An agreement announced on December 17, 2025 provides for twenty years of deliveries through 2040. The package amounts to 112 billion new Israeli shekels (Israeli shekels) (NIS), with flows intended to support Egyptian gas supply and Israeli public revenues.
Abu Dhabi’s national oil company has secured a landmark structured financing to accelerate the development of the Hail and Ghasha gas project, while maintaining strategic control over its infrastructure.
U.S.-based Sawgrass LNG & Power celebrates eight consecutive years of LNG exports to The Bahamas, reinforcing its position in regional energy trade.
Kinder Morgan restored the EPNG pipeline capacity at Lordsburg on December 13, ending a constraint that had driven Waha prices negative. The move highlights the Permian’s fragile balance, operating near the limits of its gas evacuation infrastructure.
ENGIE activates key projects in Belgium, including an 875 MW gas-fired plant in Flémalle and a battery storage system in Vilvoorde, to strengthen electricity supply security and grid flexibility.
Hungary has signed a contract with US company Chevron to import 400mn m³ of LNG per year, while maintaining a structural dependence on Russian gas through a long-term agreement with Gazprom.
Chevron Australia awards Subsea7 a major contract for subsea installation on the Gorgon Stage 3 project, with offshore operations scheduled for 2028 at 1,350 metres depth.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.