EU Gas Purchases from Russia Up in July

Pipeline gas imports to the EU in July increased by 2% reaching 13.3 billion cubic meters. The GECF data shows that since the start of this year the pipeline gas imports from Russia to the EU countries have been up by 3.1 billion cubic meters. In total, pipeline supplies to the EU increased by 5% from January to July up to 93 billion cubic meters. The report says such growth is explained by increased supplies from Russia, as well as from Azerbaijan and Norway, kommersant.ru report. Total gas consumption in the EU from January to July this year amounted to 180 billion cubic meters and decreased by 4.5% compared to the same period last year, the report states. In particular, gas demand in Germany in July increased to 3.5 billion cubic meters (+3.9%), in Italy decreased to 4.2 billion cubic meters (-5.5%), in France – a drop to 1.3 billion cubic meters (-6.7%). Also, Britain reduced its gas consumption to 2.7 bcm. (-1,2%). Deliveries of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to EU countries fell by 25% year-on-year to 6.34 million tons, the lowest since September 2021. The report said that the decrease in LNG imports was due to reduced gas demand, storage levels, and increased pipeline imports.