Agency-compiled ship-tracking data show Belgium, Europe’s fifth-largest LNG
importer last year, relied entirely on Russian LNG imports in July after Middle
East fighting sharply reduced supplies to Europe. July LNG inflows to Belgium
were down more than 40% YoY; shipments from Russia totaled about 400,000 tons.
Disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have kept gas prices
elevated and led many European buyers to defer LNG purchases for winter storage.
The reliance highlights a policy tension as the EU has decided to ban Russian
LNG imports from next year. Belgium also receives pipeline gas from Norway and
the UK.
