BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 18. In December 2024, Europe’s LNG imports recorded a modest year-on-year decrease of 1.7%, totaling 11.06 million tonnes (Mt), Trend reports.
While imports were lower than the same period in 2023, this marks the smallest decline since July 2023 and represents Europe’s highest monthly LNG import volume since January 2024, according to the latest report from the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF).
The overall decline was driven by notable reductions in LNG imports by France and the Netherlands. France, despite an increase in domestic gas consumption, saw a dip in LNG imports, primarily due to lower shipments from the United States and reduced pipeline gas exports to Germany. Similarly, the Netherlands experienced weaker imports, largely attributed to decreased volumes from the U.S.
In contrast, several countries recorded stronger LNG inflows. Germany and Greece saw significant increases, bolstered by the ramp-up of new LNG import terminals and higher domestic gas demand. Greece’s imports also supported pipeline exports to neighboring countries, including Ukraine, which received LNG via the Alexandroupolis terminal.
Türkiye’s LNG imports surged in December, driven by increased volumes from the U.S., while the UK recorded higher LNG inflows due to stronger domestic gas consumption and a reduction in pipeline imports from Norway.
