Staff Report
Russian natural gas exports to Europe saw a significant surge in July, marking one of the largest monthly increases since the onset of the energy crisis triggered by the war in Ukraine. Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and EU efforts to diversify energy supplies, Europe’s reliance on Russian gas has persisted, particularly through pipelines still in operation.
According to industry data, shipments rose sharply due to heightened summer demand for gas storage replenishment ahead of the winter season. Analysts suggest that European buyers, while cautious, continue to tap Russian supplies as a cost-effective option despite political and sanctions-related challenges.
Energy experts warn that this resurgence highlights the EU’s ongoing vulnerability in its energy transition, as alternative supplies from the U.S. and Middle East remain expensive and limited in scale.
The increase also underscores Moscow’s enduring influence over European energy markets, even as both sides remain locked in a standoff over Ukraine and wider sanctions. The trend is likely to reignite debate within the EU over energy dependence and the pace of its shift toward renewables.
