EU Ban On Russia's LNG Re-Exports Comes Into Effect

29/3/2025 7:21

The European Union's ban on re-exporting Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) via EU ports, which aims to reduce Moscow's revenues after its invasion of Ukraine, came into effect this week.



The ban, which prohibits the reloading of Russian cargoes at EU ports for export to third countries, was imposed in June 2024, with a moratorium until March 26, 2025 for contracts signed before June 25 last year.



Gas market experts say the measure would have little impact as trans-shipments via EU ports to Asia represent less than 10% of total Russian LNG exports, but suppliers would direct this volume to Europe.



Russia is the world's fourth-largest LNG producer with annual exports of 34.7 million metric tons in 2024, up 4% in 2023. Analysts estimate that around 2.7 million tons were re-loaded at EU ports for exports to Asia in 2024.