Gazprom's Gas Supplies to Europe Increase by 21.4%

In March 2026, gas supplies from the Russian gas monopoly Gazprom to Europe via the Turkish Stream pipeline showed a substantial increase, rising by 21.4% compared to March 2025. The volumes of gas supplied increased from 1.4 billion cubic meters to 1.7 billion cubic meters, indicating a revitalization of deliveries in the context of global energy changes.

This increase in supplies occurs against the backdrop of the effective closure of most shipping routes due to the ongoing war in Iran, which has complicated transportation through the Strait of Hormuz. This strait is typically a vital artery through which about 20% of the world's crude oil, refined products, and liquefied natural gas are transported.

It is noteworthy that following the closure of the Yamal-Europe and Nord Stream pipelines, as well as the cessation of Russian gas transportation through Ukraine since January 2025, Gazprom has been left with a single route for gas supplies to Europe—through Turkey. This pipeline has a capacity of 15.75 billion cubic meters per year, making it crucial for supplying gas to European countries.

According to Russian news agency TASS, in the first quarter of 2026, Russian gas exports to Europe increased by 11% compared to the first quarter of 2025, reaching 5 billion cubic meters. The average loading of the Turkish Stream towards Europe in March was 97%, indicating high efficiency in the use of this route.

However, it is important to note that in February 2026, Gazprom reduced gas supplies to Europe via the Turkish Stream by 2% compared to February 2025, lowering the volumes to 1.522 billion cubic meters. This may indicate fluctuations in demand for Russian gas amid a changing energy market.

On January 26, 2026, European Union countries officially banned the import of Russian gas. The complete ban will come into effect for liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports starting in early 2027, and for pipeline gas imports from autumn 2027. This decision is the result of the EU's gradual move away from importing fossil fuels from Russia, which in turn led to a significant reduction in Russian gas exports via pipeline to Europe in 2025 by 44%, reaching the lowest level since the mid-1970s.

The Turkish Stream, designed to supply Gazprom's gas to Turkey and European countries through Turkish territory, consists of two branches, each capable of transporting up to 15.75 billion cubic meters of gas per year. Besides Turkey, among the countries receiving gas through the Turkish Stream are Serbia, Hungary, and Slovakia, highlighting the importance of this route for the energy security of the region.