Europe is on track to record its highest-ever monthly liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports in February, as declining gas storage levels and sustained winter demand drive increased purchases, according to data from analytics firm Kpler.
Kpler estimates that total LNG arrivals into Europe will reach 14.20 million metric tons in February, exceeding January’s 13.67 million tons. The projected figure represents a 22 per cent increase year-on-year, underscoring Europe’s continued dependence on global LNG supplies.
The United States accounted for the majority of Europe’s LNG imports in February, supplying approximately 8.05 million metric tons, or about 57 per cent of total arrivals.
Despite diversification efforts, Europe continued to import LNG from Russia. Russian shipments are estimated at 1.6 million metric tons in February, slightly below January’s 1.68 million tons.
The figures reflect Europe’s ongoing balancing act between supply security, diversification strategies, and geopolitical considerations within global energy markets.
Market analysts note that softer demand from China has contributed to improved LNG availability for European buyers.
Kpler projects China’s LNG imports at 3.38 million metric tons in February, marking the lowest level since April 2018. The figure is significantly below the 4.47 million tons recorded in February 2025.
The reduced Asian demand has eased competition for spot cargoes, helping stabilize global LNG prices and enabling higher European import volumes.
Europe’s accelerated LNG purchases come as gas inventories remain under pressure. Regional storage facilities are currently estimated to be around 30 per cent full, compared to the five-year seasonal average of 49 per cent.
In response, Kpler forecasts that European imports of U.S. LNG could rise further to 11.19 million metric tons next month, as the European Union intensifies efforts to replenish storage ahead of the next heating cycle.
At the same time, regulatory tensions continue between Washington and Brussels over methane emissions standards.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has urged the European Union to reconsider aspects of its methane emissions regulation, arguing that stricter tracking, reporting, and verification requirements could increase compliance costs for American LNG exporters.
The EU’s methane framework is scheduled to take effect from 2027, alongside additional sustainability-related directives. U.S. officials have called for exemptions for American LNG shipments through 2035, citing potential impacts on transatlantic energy trade.
