The European Union’s estimated bill for Russian Yamal liquefied natural gas reached €8.7 billion in the first 10 months of 2026, 21% above the estimate for all of 2025, according to an analysis by environmental group Urgewald.
The analysis, based on data from energy intelligence firm Kpler and reported by Euronews, counted 12.89 million tonnes delivered to EU ports between January and October. That was a 6.3% increase year on year and 81% of the Yamal project’s recorded global deliveries.
The figures put the bloc’s continued purchases in focus ahead of the next stage of its Russian LNG import ban. Restrictions on short-term contracts have applied since April 25, 2026, while the ban covering existing long-term contracts is due to take effect on January 1, 2027.
European ports remain central to Yamal shipments
Yamal LNG relies on specialised Arc7 ice-class tankers to navigate Arctic waters. Urgewald says access to European ports allows ships to unload relatively close to the production site and return more quickly. Losing that access could mean longer journeys and higher transport costs, although the impact will depend on Russia’s ability to develop alternative routes and markets.
China, South Korea and Taiwan together received 18.6% of Yamal deliveries from January to October, according to the analysis. Urgewald campaigner Alexander Kirk said replacing Russian supplies with gas from other exporters would not shield European households from price spikes or political pressure, and called for measures such as insulation, heat pumps, wind and solar to reduce gas demand.
Urgewald campaigner Sebastian Rötters urged EU governments not to grant new exemptions as the long-term contract ban approaches. The group said the commercial consequences will depend in part on whether Russian LNG shipments can be redirected beyond Europe.