Portugal to End Russian LNG Imports, Increase US and Nigerian Supplies

Portugal plans to further reduce its limited reliance on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) by increasing imports from the United States and Nigeria, according to Reuters citing Environment Minister Maria da Graca Carvalho.

The announcement was made during the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 21.

In 2024, Portugal imported 49,141 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of natural gas, with approximately 96% of this volume being LNG, data from energy grid operator REN reveals. Nigeria accounted for 51% of Portugal’s LNG imports, followed by 40% from the United States and only 4.4% from Russia. This marks a significant shift from 2021, when Russian gas constituted 15% of the country’s LNG supply.

“Portugal is now practically independent of Russian gas. However, we aim to reduce this figure even further by increasing imports from Nigeria and the United States,” Carvalho said.

Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the European Union imposed sanctions on Russian energy transported through pipelines but allowed LNG shipments to continue. Despite these exemptions, Portugal has proactively minimized Russian imports, aligning with broader EU goals of energy security and independence.

Carvalho emphasized the need for greater collaboration within the European Union to address energy challenges, noting that the Iberian Peninsula remains an “energy island” due to limited interconnections with France.

Earlier, the European Union announced plans for its 16th sanctions package against Russia, which includes targeting Russian LNG, aluminum, and Moscow’s shadow fleet .