EU Energy Imports Shift: Rising Liquefied Gas, Declining Petroleum

In the first quarter of 2025, the European Union (EU) recorded significant changes in its energy import landscape, with a marked increase in liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports and a decline in petroleum imports. According to data released by Eurostat on June 26, 2025, the EU imported energy products worth €95.3 billion, totaling 176.4 million tonnes. This represents a slight increase of 0.3% in value compared to the same period in 2024, despite a decrease of 3.9% in volume.

Historically, the EU has relied heavily on petroleum for its energy needs, with petroleum oils making up a significant portion of its imports. However, the latest figures reveal a year-on-year decline in both value and volume of imported petroleum, with decreases of 11.9% and 8.0%, respectively. In contrast, the data indicates a sharp rise in the importation of liquefied natural gas, which saw a staggering increase of 45.3% in value and 12.1% in volume.

The increase in LNG imports is attributed to several factors, including a diversification strategy aimed at reducing dependence on Russian gas following geopolitical tensions. Notably, the United States emerged as the largest supplier of LNG to the EU, accounting for 50.7% of the total value of LNG imports, followed by Russia at 17.0% and Qatar at 10.8%. This trend is indicative of a broader shift in the EU's energy strategy, focusing on sustainability and reliability.

Dr. Emily Thompson, an energy economist at the University of Cambridge, remarked, "The surge in liquefied natural gas imports is a clear reflection of the EU's commitment to energy diversification. The reliance on U.S. LNG signifies a strategic pivot that could reshape European energy markets in the long term." This shift aligns with the EU's broader goals under the European Green Deal, which aims to reduce carbon emissions and promote renewable energy sources.

Additionally, the imports of natural gas in its gaseous state also saw an increase in value by 19.0%, despite a decrease in volume by 12.1%. Norway was the dominant supplier for gaseous natural gas, providing 52.6% of the total imports, followed by Algeria at 19.4% and Russia at 11.1%.

The implications of these changes are multifaceted. Economically, the EU's increasing dependence on LNG could lead to fluctuations in energy prices and market dynamics, particularly as countries compete for limited supply. Socially, this transition may influence energy accessibility and affordability for consumers across member states, particularly in those heavily reliant on petroleum.

Politically, the EU's strategic pivot towards LNG and away from petroleum imports could affect its relationships with traditional oil-exporting nations and may prompt further discussions around energy security and sustainability.

As the EU navigates these transitions, the future of its energy import strategy remains critical not only for its economic stability but also for its environmental goals. The ongoing efforts to meet the targets set by the EU reduction plan, which aims for a minimum 15% reduction in gas consumption, will undoubtedly shape the energy landscape in the coming years. The plan, originally covering the period from August 2022 to March 2023, has now been extended to March 2025, emphasizing the urgency of this transition.

In conclusion, the first quarter of 2025 marks a pivotal moment in the EU's energy import strategy, characterized by a significant rise in liquefied natural gas and a decline in petroleum imports. This shift not only reflects changing market dynamics but also aligns with the EU's long-term sustainability goals, highlighting the ongoing transformation within Europe's energy sector.