The Netherlands has stopped signing new contracts to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia this year – without making a decision – and is working to cancel pre-existing contracts. In this respect reported Bloomberg cites Energy Secretary Rob Jetten.
“We have to do everything we can to make sure there is no Russian fossil energy left in our system, and we have had success with coal, pipe gas and oil. We have many discussions with companies using these capacities on the phasing out of previous gas liquefaction agreements,” the minister said.
After Russia cut off most pipeline gas supplies to the region, Europe relied on fuel imports, mainly from the US and Qatar, to get out of the energy crisis. However, a significant amount of Russian LNG continues to enter the EU.
“This move by the Netherlands will apply to both spot and long-term contracts. The country is a transit country for gas supply, so this decision could have wider implications in Europe.
According to Bloomberg, the Netherlands still imports Russian LNG under old agreements signed until 2023, accounting for about 15% of total imports.