France and Belgium have been recognized as the largest importers of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) in Europe during the first nine months of 2026. According to published data, France's imports during this period reached 4.7 million tons, while Belgium purchased 2.9 million tons of liquefied natural gas from Russia.
Liquefied Natural Gas Imports in Europe
In total, European countries are seeking to diversify their energy sources, and in this context, Russia is considered one of the main suppliers of liquefied natural gas. Among other European countries, the Netherlands with 1.25 million tons and Spain with a 46% increase compared to the beginning of the year rank next.
Spain's Rising Import Trend
Spain's imports of Russian liquefied natural gas have seen significant growth this year, and this country has recorded the fastest growth rate among other major European buyers. This increase in demand may be due to Spain's efforts to secure sustainable energy and reduce dependence on other sources.
Analysts believe that the continuation of this trend could have significant impacts on the European gas market and encourage other countries to increase imports from Russia. Given the political and economic tensions globally, these developments highlight the strategic importance of Russian liquefied natural gas for Europe.
