The EU intends to completely dispense with Russian energy sources by 2027, but so far Europe is breaking records in the purchase of fossil fuels from Russia.
VESTI - According to Eurostat, Estonia and Lithuania bought Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) worth 6.1 billion euros this year. The number of LNG tankers travelling from Russia to Europe is increasing.
Russian LNG deliveries to the EU amounted to a total of 16.7 billion cubic meters in 2022, compared to 12.3 billion cubic meters in 2021.
Spain and Belgium were the largest buyers of gas from Russia in the EU. From January to October, Spain bought 5.21 billion cubic meters, Belgium 3.14 billion cubic meters. The share of Russian LNG in Spain rose to 26.5 percent, in Belgium to 37.2 percent.
Spain paid 1.8 billion euros to Russia, France 1.5 billion euros and Belgium 1.36 billion euros.
Russian LNG deliveries to the EU are increasing, but not all EU countries have access to the sea and LNG re-evaporation plants. Thus, Spain and Belgium have become the most important hubs through which regasified Russian gas flows to other countries.