EU gas demand has fallen sharply since 2021, slashing imports of pipeline gas and LNG by 18%, according to a new tracker launched by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA).
The fall is driven by a 20% drop in gas consumption across the bloc, aided by EU measures to curb demand and boost energy security.
The IEEFA’s new EU Gas Flows Tracker shows the shift is reshaping the bloc’s energy mix – even though dependence on Russian gas lingers.
Ana Maria Jaller-Makarewicz, IEEFA’s lead energy analyst for Europe, said the shift shows progress.
“EU countries’ reliance on gas pipeline imports and LNG shipments means they are exposed to geopolitical issues and supply disruptions. However, they have mitigated this dependence by curbing gas consumption, diversifying import sources, shifting gas flows and installing more renewables,” she said.
Norway is now the EU’s top supplier, accounting for 30% of total gas and LNG in Q1 2025. The US follows with 25%, while Russia still supplied 14% and Algeria 13%.
Although Russian transit via Ukraine ended on 1 January, pipeline flows via Turkey rose 16% in Q1. Combined EU imports of Russian gas and LNG actually grew 19.5% in 2024.
Still, overall gas and LNG imports in Q1 2025 were flat compared to last year and down 1% on Q1 2023 – showing the shift in demand is holding.
Ms Jaller-Makarewicz said cutting consumption must remain the priority. “If the EU continues with policies to cut gas consumption, the bloc could satisfy demand without additional gas infrastructure or increased imports.”
The EU is due to publish its roadmap to phase out Russian energy by 2027 on 6 May.
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