In May 2026, the European Union remained among the top five buyers of Russian fossil fuels and, despite existing restrictions, increased imports of liquefied natural gas from Russia. This is stated in the monthly analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), reports UNN.
Details
According to CREA, in May the EU was the fourth largest buyer of Russian fossil fuels.
In May, the EU was the fourth largest buyer of Russian fossil fuels, providing Russia with nearly 12% (€2.3 billion) of its export revenues from the top five importers
Hungary became the largest buyer of Russian oil and gas among European countries in May. It imported Russian energy carriers worth €674 million.
Slovakia took second place, providing Russia with €497 million. Its imports consisted of pipeline gas worth €121 million and crude oil worth €376 million.
CREA notes that since April 23, Hungary and Slovakia have been receiving Russian oil via the "Druzhba" pipeline, which runs through the territory of Ukraine.
Spain became the third largest buyer of Russian fuel among EU countries. It imported only liquefied natural gas from Russia.
At the same time, analysts noted that in May 2026, the European Union increased imports of Russian LNG by 4% compared to the previous month. This happened after the EU ban on purchasing Russian LNG under short-term contracts came into force on April 25, 2026.
According to CREA, the increase in imports was primarily due to Spain's actions, which doubled its purchases of liquefied gas from Russia.
They note that in May 2026, the EU increased imports of Russian LNG by 4% compared to the previous month after the EU ban on purchasing Russian LNG under short-term contracts came into force on April 25, 2026. The increase was primarily driven by Spain doubling its imports from Russia.
Analysts emphasize that the situation with Russian LNG demonstrates the need to strengthen control over the implementation of restrictions so that EU countries do not continue to finance the Russian energy sector through old contracts.
Recall
Turkey and Russia's Gazprom began negotiations in early June 2026 on extending gas supplies after 2026. The parties are discussing the volumes and terms of new contracts.