In March, Hungary became the EU’s biggest importer of Russian fossil fuels, overtaking France, which held the top spot in February, according to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).
Hungary’s imports totalled €412 million, including €228 million worth of pipeline gas and €184 million of crude oil.
France was the second-largest importer of Russian fossil fuels within the EU, with imports — including Russian LNG — totaling €314 million. However, the fact that the gas enters through France does not necessarily mean it is consumed there. A recent report shows that some Russian LNG arriving at France’s Dunkerque terminal is subsequently delivered to Germany.
Slovakia, the third-largest buyer of Russian fossil fuels within the EU, imported goods worth €165 million. Of this, 61% — valued at €101 million — was Russian crude oil delivered via pipeline. The remaining imports consisted of pipeline gas worth €63 million.
Spain was the fourth-largest importer of Russian fossil fuels within the EU, purchasing exclusively Russian LNG valued at €161 million.
Belgium also imported only LNG, with imports totaling €153 million.
In March, the five largest Russian fossil fuel-importing countries in the EU paid Russia a total of €1.2 billion for their imports, over half of which were purchases of LNG.
The EU was the top buyer of Russian gas in March, purchasing 50% of its LNG and 38% of its pipeline gas.
How can Ukraine’s allies tighten the screws on Russia?
- Lower the oil price cap
- Boost sanctions enforcement
- Ban LNG & pipeline fuels
- Curb ‘shadow’ tanker growth
- Plug the refining loophole