On July 7, 2025, In the first quarter of 2025, the United States overtook Russia as the European Union’s second-largest supplier of natural gas, according to the latest report from the European Commission. This shift comes after the cessation of Russian pipeline gas imports via Ukraine at the beginning of the year, marking a significant change in the EU’s energy landscape.

During January to March 2025, the 27-member bloc imported a total of 69 billion cubic meters (Bcm) of gas, representing a slight two percent decrease both quarter-on-quarter and year-on-year. Pipeline gas made up 55 percent of the total imports, equivalent to 38 Bcm, while liquefied natural gas (LNG) accounted for 45 percent, or 31 Bcm. Notably, pipeline gas imports declined by 14 percent compared to the previous quarter and by 10 percent relative to the first quarter of 2024, mainly due to the end of the Ukraine-Russia transit agreement. In contrast, LNG imports grew 18 percent quarter-on-quarter and 11 percent year-on-year.

Norway maintained its position as the EU’s top gas supplier, providing 31 percent of total imports, or 21.7 Bcm. The United States followed with 24 percent (16.6 Bcm), while Russia’s share dropped sharply to 14 percent (9.7 Bcm). North Africa ranked fourth at 13 percent (9.2 Bcm), with Qatar and Azerbaijan accounting for 5 percent (3.2 Bcm) and 4 percent (2.6 Bcm), respectively.

Russian pipeline gas imports plunged by 45 percent quarter-on-quarter to 4.6 Bcm, reflecting a 39 percent year-on-year decline. The overall reduction in Russian volumes—both pipeline and LNG—was 28 percent compared to the previous quarter and 27 percent against the same period last year. Despite this, Russia remained the third-largest source of EU pipeline gas, holding a 12 percent share.

LNG imports from Russia stayed relatively steady at 5.1 Bcm, a marginal 0.6 percent increase quarter-on-quarter but an 11 percent drop year-on-year, making Russia the EU’s second-largest LNG supplier with a 16 percent share. The United States dominated LNG exports to the EU with a 53 percent share (16.6 Bcm), followed by Qatar at 10 percent (3.2 Bcm).

This evolving supply dynamic has accelerated the EU’s shift from pipeline gas to LNG, with LNG’s share rising to 45 percent from 38 percent in the previous quarter, while pipeline gas declined from 62 percent to 55 percent. The European Commission highlighted this diversification as a critical step toward energy security and independence from Russian gas.

The EU’s total gas consumption rose by 8 percent year-on-year to 119 Bcm in Q1 2025, ending a trend of shrinking demand since 2021. Seasonal factors and colder temperatures contributed to a 15 percent increase quarter-on-quarter. Domestic production slightly increased by 3 percent to 8.6 Bcm, led by the Netherlands, Romania, Germany, Italy, and Denmark.

Meanwhile, EU gas storage levels averaged 48 percent full during the quarter, a decline from 88 percent in Q4 2024 but higher than previous years marked by supply disruptions. The European Council recently agreed to extend regulations mandating storage facilities to be at least 90 percent full before winter, with some flexibility on timing.