In December 2023, market updates from the Spanish energy sector identified Russia as a major LNG supplier to Spain, ranking second only to Algeria in terms of LNG delivery volumes. The disclosure, reported by TASS, highlighted the growing relevance of Russian LNG among Spain’s gas suppliers as the year closed. Russia’s shipments were notable for their scale and their contribution to Spain’s energy mix, underscoring a pattern of diversified import sources despite broader European aims to reduce reliance on Russian energy. — TASS
The data showed a marked increase in Russian LNG exports to Spain, with a total equivalent to 72,690 gigawatt-hours of gas being delivered to Spanish buyers during December. This figure positioned Russia behind only Algeria and the United States in terms of LNG volumes to Spain for that period, illustrating how LNG trade flows can shift in response to seasonal demand, logistical arrangements, and contract terms. The emphasis on this ranking signal reflects ongoing discussions about energy security and supply diversity within Spain and across the European energy market. — TASS
During December, shipments from Russia reached an LNG equivalent of 5,481 gigawatt-hours to Spain. The reporting noted that Russian LNG accounted for more than one-fifth of Spain’s gas imports, reinforcing the significant role that liquefied natural gas plays in meeting the country’s energy needs. These totals came amid broader conversations about European gas diversification and the strategic importance of maintaining reliable supply channels in a changing regional energy landscape. — TASS
Earlier assessments pointed to a year of growth for Russia’s LNG production, with 2023 output estimated at around 32.33 million tonnes of LNG, a decline of roughly 2 percent from the previous year. This decline was addressed by the launch of Port LNG, a mid-sized LNG project located in the Baltic region, which helped cushion the overall export performance. In the final month of the year, Russia’s LNG exports reached their peak level for the year, totaling about 3.2 million tonnes in December, reflecting complex market dynamics that can include new terminal capacity, shipping logistics, and regional demand fluctuations. — TASS
Meanwhile, the European Commission has signaled plans to phase out Russian gas by the end of the decade, a goal that shapes both regulatory expectations and strategic energy decisions across member states. The evolving policy landscape—together with shifts in LNG supply and demand—continues to influence how Spain and neighboring markets secure reliable gas supplies while pursuing cleaner energy options and greater energy resilience. — TASS