Russian gas imports into the European Union rose during the first five months of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025, even after the EU's phased ban on Russian gas imports took effect on 18 March 2026, according to a report published by the European Union Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) on 1 July 2026.
The report, mandated by Regulation (EU) 2026/261 adopted on 26 January 2026, provides the first overview of contracts still authorised under the transitional period. Between January and May 2026, Russian pipeline imports rose by 7% year-on-year, while Russian LNG imports increased by 11%. After the ban came into force, pipeline imports rose by 5% year-on-year and LNG imports increased by 17% from 18 March to end May, despite a ban on short-term LNG imports applying since April 2026. ACER attributed the rise to frontloaded deliveries, contractual adjustments ahead of tighter restrictions, and efforts to maximise supply from alternative sources following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Authorised contracts for Russian LNG and pipeline gas represent a total annual capacity of 45 to 55 billion cubic metres (bcm). LNG contracts account for 20 to 32 bcm, entering the EU at external borders of Spain, France, Belgium and the Netherlands. Long-term pipeline gas contracts remain authorised in Hungary, Slovakia and Greece, with annual contracted volumes of 16 to 26 bcm. Actual imports depend on commercial decisions and market conditions. Russian gas imports under these contracts represent roughly 12% of EU gas demand through end of May 2026.
The report notes that Russian gas imported under authorised contracts is not necessarily consumed in the importing Member States; within the integrated EU gas market, gas can be traded at hubs and transported across internal borders, making final offtake difficult to trace. ACER warns that reducing full dependence on Russian gas requires coordinated European efforts to unlock new gas sources and solve infrastructure bottlenecks, particularly for landlocked countries.
The report is the first of two mandated by Article 7(6) of the Regulation; a second report is due by 1 July 2027. The findings will inform the European Commission's monitoring of the phase-out and potential further measures to ensure diversification and energy security.