The 27 EU member states have formally adopted a regulation to phase out imports of Russian pipeline gas and LNG into the European Union. The new rules also introduce measures to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and promote diversification of energy supplies (EU Council statement, 26/01/2026).
Under the regulation, imports of Russian pipeline gas and LNG into the EU will be prohibited. The ban will begin to apply six weeks after the regulation enters into force, with transition periods for existing contracts. This step-by-step approach is intended to limit potential impacts on prices and energy markets. A full ban on LNG imports will take effect from the beginning of 2027, while a complete ban on pipeline gas imports will apply from autumn 2027.
Non-compliance with the new rules may result in maximum penalties of at least €2.5m for individuals and at least €40m for companies, or at least 3.5% of a company’s total worldwide annual turnover, or 300% of the estimated transaction value, whichever is higher.
“By 1 March 2026, EU countries must prepare national plans to diversify gas supplies and identify potential challenges in replacing Russian gas. To that end, companies will be required to notify authorities and the Commission of any remaining Russian gas contracts. EU countries still importing Russian oil will also have to submit diversification plans” according to the statement.
Before authorising the entry of gas imports into the EU, member states will be required to verify the country of origin of the gas. According to the EU Council statement, the European Commission also plans to propose legislation to phase out Russian oil imports by the end of 2027.
According to our data, Russia’s share in EU gas supply fell from 64% in 2021 to 47% in 2022, 39% in 2023, and 17% in 2024. In 2022, China became the largest single-country importer of Russian gas. In December 2024, China absorbed 27% of Russia’s pipeline gas exports (followed by Türkiye at 26%) and 22% of LNG exports (followed by Japan at 18%).
Interested in Global Energy Research?
Enerdata's premium online information service provides up-to-date market reports on 110+ countries. The reports include valuable market data and analysis as well as a daily newsfeed, curated by our energy analysts, on the oil, gas, coal and power markets.
This user-friendly tool gives you the essentials about the domestic markets of your concern, including market structure, organisation, actors, projects and business perspectives.