Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho is expected to call on Britain to halt imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia, as Britain braces for a clash with its European allies.
The UK banned imports of Russian LNG in January 2023 as part of sanctions against President Vladimir Putin in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
But experts have warned that some of Russia’s LNG could still end up in the UK’s energy system as a result of the complex network of pipes used to transport gas across the continent.
Despite the EU’s crackdown on energy imports, many EU countries still import gas directly from Russia.
Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho is expected to ask the UK to halt imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia, as Britain braces for conflict with European allies.
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Coutinho is set to head to Paris amid mounting pressure from his Conservative Party over the issue, with some colleagues particularly blaming the French government.
Spain, France and Belgium are the most dependent on Russian gas among the EU countries.
LNG imports are estimated to be worth €16 billion in 2022. In 2023, imports will only decrease slightly.
Earlier this month, France said it was “evaluating whether the conditions for implementation are in place.” [a ban on Russian LNG imports] It is possible that this will be met, but it does not seem likely at this stage. ”
Jacob Rees-Mogg, the former energy secretary, said the issue was “clearly serious”, adding: “It is important that we close loopholes wherever possible.”
Former Conservative Party leader Sir Ian Duncan-Smith described the situation as “alarming” and accused France of “undermining” sanctions against Russia.
Despite the EU’s crackdown on energy imports, many EU countries still import gas directly from Russia.
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Earlier this month, France said it was “evaluating whether the conditions for implementation are in place.” [a ban on Russian LNG imports] There is a possibility that this will be met, but it doesn’t seem likely at this stage.”
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He said, “France… [which] It has supported Ukraine far less than Britain and Germany, and continues to undermine the sanctions regime by importing Russian LNG. ”
Mr Duncan-Smith added: “The EU should give them a call.”
Alex Froley, an LNG market analyst at Independent Commodity Intelligence Services, told Politico that “it is impossible to trace individual molecules of gas, and Russian molecules are likely to be regasified during Belgian and French LNG imports.” There is no way to monitor or guarantee that.” The terminal did not reach the UK through the interconnecting pipeline. ”
Ana Maria Jarrah Makarewicz, chief energy analyst for Europe at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis think tank, said: “The only way to ensure that the UK does not unknowingly procure Russian gas is to “This will likely result in the closure of several ports to LNG,” he added. This is an imported product from the country. ”