Portugal is still importing around five percent of its liquefied natural gas from Russia through the Port of Sines, according to the country’s Minister of Environment and Energy, as the European Union moves toward a full phase out of Russian energy supplies.
Maria da Graça Carvalho confirmed that the remaining imports are linked to a long term contract held Spanish energy company Naturgy, which brings Russian LNG into Portugal via Sines. She stressed that the volume represents a small share of national consumption but acknowledged that the issue remains under close review.
Speaking to Portuguese journalists in Brussels after meeting European Commission Executive Vice President Teresa Ribera, the minister said Portugal is legally constrained from terminating the contract unilaterally. She explained that until the European Union establishes a stronger legislative framework, the government cannot intervene due to binding contractual obligations.
The EU has approved a timeline to end reliance on Russian gas in response to the war in Ukraine. Under the agreed plan, imports of liquefied natural gas from Russia are set to end 1 January 2027, while pipeline gas must cease 30 September 2027. However, certain exceptions may apply depending on specific contractual arrangements, and officials are assessing whether the Naturgy agreement falls within those provisions.
Carvalho stated that the situation requires careful legal analysis, noting that the contract remains valid. She added that Portugal is monitoring developments and will act once there is a clear and solid legal basis to do so.
Portugal imported approximately 49,141 gigawatt hours of natural gas in 2024, with around 96 percent arriving in the form of LNG. Of that LNG, about 4.4 percent originated in Russia. The country has significantly reduced its exposure in recent years, with Russian LNG accounting for roughly 15 percent of imports in 2021 before falling to the current level.
The Port of Sines plays a strategic role in Portugal’s energy infrastructure, serving as a major gateway for LNG shipments from various global suppliers. Diversification efforts since 2022 have increased imports from the United States, Nigeria and other sources, helping to reduce dependence on Russian supply.
The broader European strategy aims to enhance energy security, accelerate the clean transition and limit financial flows linked to Russia’s energy sector. Member states are balancing these objectives with existing contractual commitments and market stability concerns.
As the 2027 deadline approaches, Portugal, like several other EU countries, faces the challenge of securing alternative supplies while maintaining affordability and reliability in its energy system.
