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IEA Director says Europe should replace Russian LNG with Qatari supply from 2027

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on February 25, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 25, 2026

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IEA Director says Europe should replace Russian LNG with Qatari supply from 2027
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By America Hernandez LONDON (Reuters) - European countries should consider replacing liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from Russia with other sources beginning in 2027, the International Energy

IEA Urges Europe to Shift from Russian to Qatari LNG by 2027

By America Hernandez

LONDON (Reuters) - European countries should consider replacing liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from Russia with other sources beginning in 2027, the International Energy Agency director said on Tuesday.

Fatih Birol was speaking at the International Energy Week conference in London.

"Europe has been importing a lot of Russian LNG to help its economies," he said. 

"It may be high time to replace this with LNG from Qatari and other sources from 2027," Birol added.

The global LNG market is expected to remain tight until 2027, when a wave of new projects in Qatar, the U.S. and elsewhere will bring fresh supply online. 

In 2024 the European Union increased its imports of Russian LNG to reach about 20% of total LNG imports, up from 6% in 2023. The United States remained the top LNG supplier, accounting for 45% the EU's LNG imports last year, according to EU data.

(Reporting by America Hernandez, Writing by Charlotte Van Campenhout; Editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta and David Evans)

Key Takeaways

  • IEA director suggests Europe replace Russian LNG by 2027.
  • Qatari LNG is a proposed alternative to Russian imports.
  • Global LNG market expected to remain tight until 2027.
  • EU increased Russian LNG imports to 20% in 2024.
  • US remains top LNG supplier to the EU.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main topic?
The article discusses the IEA director's suggestion for Europe to replace Russian LNG imports with Qatari supply by 2027.
Why should Europe replace Russian LNG?
To ensure stable energy imports as the global LNG market is expected to remain tight until 2027.
What role does the US play in EU LNG imports?
The US is the top LNG supplier to the EU, accounting for 45% of imports last year.

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