Increase in Russian LNG Imports at Rotterdam Highlights Need for Further Sanctions

The Dutch government announced on Monday that imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia at the GATE terminal in Rotterdam have increased in recent months, highlighting the need for additional sanctions. In the third quarter, the average number of Russian LNG carriers arriving at the terminal doubled to two per month.

This rise in imports may be a consequence of new sanctions implemented this summer, which prohibit the transfer of Russian LNG from the EU to non-EU countries, while still allowing imports for EU member states. According to Dutch Energy Minister Sophie Hermans, this change in trade routes has likely directed Russian LNG to terminals with the capacity for EU imports, such as the Rotterdam terminal.

Minister Hermans expressed concern over this development, stating that it is “worrying and undesirable,” and emphasized the importance of a unified European Commission approach to reducing Russian gas imports. She plans to address the need for further sanctions at the upcoming EU energy ministers’ meeting on October 15, aiming to bring the issue to the attention of government leaders who ultimately make decisions on sanctions.

Additionally, Hermans expects the European Commission to provide guidance in the coming months on how countries can implement targeted measures.