Portugal to Boost LNG Imports from Nigeria and US, Cut Russian Supplies

Written on 21/01/2025
Natural Gas World

Portugal plans to increase liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from Nigeria and the United States to phase out dwindling supplies from Russia, according to Environment Minister Maria da Graca Carvalho. In 2024, Portugal imported 49,141 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of natural gas, with 96% coming as LNG.

Nigeria accounted for 51% of these deliveries, the US for 40%, and Russia for just 4.4%, as per data from grid operator REN. The move aligns with Portugal's strategy to diversify its energy sources and enhance energy security.



In 2021, Russia accounted for 15% of Portugal's LNG supply.

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the European Union has implemented targeted sanctions on Russian oil and gas imported through pipelines. Still, it has not prevented the import of LNG transported by ship into Europe.

"Portugal is now practically independent of Russian gas ... but we want to reduce this figure further by importing more gas from Nigeria and the United States," Graca Carvalho told a panel at the World Economic Forum in Davos, according to economic website ECO.

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened the European Union with tariffs if countries do not increase their purchases of U.S. energy.

Source