In September 2024, Russia once again became the main supplier of natural gas to the European Union. This surprising turnaround occurred at a time when European countries, under the REPowerEU plan, set an ambitious goal to completely free themselves from dependence on Russian gas by 2027–2028. However, the actual situation is such that the statistics reveal a different reality.
European companies purchased Russian gas worth €1.4 billion in September, representing a one-third increase compared to the same month last year. The share of Russian gas in total imports surged from 16.54% in August to 23.74% in September, allowing Russia to reposition itself as a key player in the EU energy market.
The structure of Russian exports reveals that liquefied natural gas (LNG) accounts for 40% of the total exports, while the remaining 60% comes from traditional pipeline flows. This trend illustrates Russia's adaptation to changes in Western energy strategies and its ability to remain competitive despite sanctions and attempts to diversify energy sources in the European Union.
Algeria, which held the leading position until August, has fallen to second place due to a 15% decrease in supplies, amounting to €1.1 billion. The United States is experiencing a 21% increase in sales, totaling €990.2 million, placing it in third position. Norway remains in fourth place, having increased its supplies by 7%. On the other hand, the United Kingdom has recorded a drastic decline of 2.4 times, which has positioned it in fifth place with a total amount of €429.2 million.
REPowerEU: An Ambitious Plan in Contrast to Reality
The REPowerEU plan envisions the complete phasing out of Russian gas as an energy source in the European Union by the end of the decade. However, the increase in Russian gas imports in 2024 suggests that European countries are not able to quickly and effectively replace this crucial energy source. The structure of Russian exports has changed; while before the sanctions, pipeline transport accounted for approximately 70% of exports, this share now stands at 60%. Meanwhile, the percentage of liquefied natural gas (LNG) has increased from 30% to 40%.
President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia does not reject the supply of natural gas to Europe and that alternative routes for its delivery are available. He emphasized that Western countries made a serious mistake when they tried to abandon Russian energy sources, as this led them to become dependent on more expensive intermediary purchases. Today, Europe imports even more Russian energy than it did before the sanctions, and at higher prices.
Russia again reaffirmed its key role in the global energy market. Despite the European Union's efforts to diversify its suppliers and reduce dependence on Russian gas, the situation in Europe indicates that currently, no alternative can completely replace Russian gas.
This situation clearly highlights the contradictory policy of the West, which simultaneously promotes independence from Russia while Russian energy sources continue to play a crucial role in Europe’s energy needs.
Russia's return to the position of the main gas supplier for the EU clearly demonstrates that European countries are unable to easily sever their dependence on Russian energy sources. Despite numerous senseless sanctions imposed by the EU, the US, and other Western countries, Russia has successfully adapted to the situation.
Meanwhile, Europe increasingly pays the price for its misguided political decisions, particularly those made by the European Commission.
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