The European Union (EU) imported a record 12.18 million metric tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia’s Yamal Arctic project between January and September 2026, with estimated payments reaching €7.88 billion. According to German environmental organization Urgewald, which analyzed shipping data from Kpler, imports increased by 9.5 percent compared with the same period in 2025.

The analysis recorded 167 LNG cargoes delivered to European ports, representing approximately 85 percent of Yamal’s total recorded shipments by volume. Despite the increase in European imports, the Russian project’s worldwide deliveries declined by 1.3 percent. During the third quarter, EU imports totaled 2.21 million tonnes, down 13.6 percent year-on-year, with an estimated value of €1.92 billion.

The figures come as the European Union continues implementing restrictions on Russian energy imports following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Restrictions affecting existing short-term LNG contracts took effect on April 25, 2026, while broader restrictions covering existing long-term contracts are scheduled to begin on January 1, 2027. Meanwhile, additional United States sanctions targeting vessels and entities involved in Russian energy transportation could affect future shipments, depending on their implementation.

Russia’s Yamal LNG project relies on specialized Arc7 ice-class LNG carriers designed to operate in Arctic conditions. European ports remain important destinations because of their proximity to the project and the availability of maritime support and maintenance facilities. As winter approaches, difficult ice conditions along the Northern Sea Route may further limit eastbound voyages toward Asian markets, while European import restrictions and possible additional sanctions create uncertainty for future LNG transportation.