Italy has moved away from relying on Russian gas, a shift confirmed by a high-ranking government official during a discussion with Corriere della Sera. The environment minister indicated that Italy has significantly reduced its dependence on gas imports from Russia, diversifying supply routes and strengthening ties with other regions to secure energy for the nation. This pivot comes as part of a broader strategy to diversify energy sources and reduce exposure to geopolitical risks that can disrupt supplies, a topic that has dominated public energy conversations in recent months.
According to the minister, the share of gas sourced from Russia has fallen to about 10 percent, while imports from Africa and the Adriatic region have grown notably. This marks a dramatic reversal from a time when Russian gas accounted for around 40 percent of Italy’s imports. The change reflects concerted efforts to broaden energy partnerships, explore alternative routes, and invest in domestic and regional possibilities that can provide steadier, more predictable supply in the longer term. The government has highlighted that diversification is essential for energy security and price stability, especially given global market volatility and the geopolitical tensions that can affect traditional supply chains.
Earlier statements from industry officials suggested an accelerated timeline to phase out Russian gas entirely by the end of 2023. In discussions with national outlets, officials asserted that a rapid shift was feasible thanks to ongoing infrastructure projects and commitments to scalable alternative sources. The plan includes the opening and operation of two new facilities located in Piombino and Ravenna, which are designed to produce a substantial amount of gas locally. These two complexes are expected to reach production capacity that aligns with the country’s 2022 needs, with a target around 10 billion cubic meters. This figure mirrors the volume Italy purchased from Russia in the previous year, highlighting a strategic move to replace imports with domestically produced or regional gas supplies as part of a broader energy transition.
Historical data shows a clear downward trajectory in Russia’s share of Italy’s gas consumption: from as high as 40 percent in 2021 to 16 percent by 2022, with a continued push to reduce this reliance further. The publication noted that a central objective across government channels in recent months has been to secure alternative suppliers and strengthen resilience to external shocks. This approach includes not only physical infrastructure but also long-term contracts and collaborative projects with neighboring regions that can supplement Italy’s energy mix, ensuring a steadier flow of natural gas to households and industries alike. The broader narrative emphasizes energy sovereignty, the modernization of import routes, and closer alignment with European efforts to diversify energy supply chains and enhance regional stability in energy markets.