Belgium's Russian Gas Imports Surge 66% Despite EU Ban

Belgium is importing significantly more natural gas from Russia, despite a European Union ban on pipeline imports. New data shows a 66% increase in liquefied natural gas (LNG) deliveries from Russia to Belgium in the first seven months of 2024. The rise is linked to EU sanctions. These measures have blocked major Asian buyers from purchasing Russian LNG. As a result, Russian energy company Novatek is redirecting its Arctic gas to the European market. Belgium receives this gas at its LNG terminal in Zeebrugge. From there, it can be shipped to other EU countries. This practice is legal because the EU ban only covers gas delivered by pipeline, not LNG transported by ship. The increase makes Belgium one of the largest EU buyers of Russian LNG this year. It highlights a challenge in Western efforts to cut financial flows to Russia while maintaining Europe's energy supply.