During the period from June 16th to 26th, 2025, the following international news occurred:
1. Russia LNG checks to rise as EU gets tough
The European Union (EU) Commission has proposed legislation to phase out Russian natural gas by the end of 2027, strengthening tracking and monitoring of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to restrict circumvention. After an 18% increase in EU LNG imports from Russia last year, new rules will require importers to provide information on gas origin and other details. Starting January 2026, LNG terminal services for Russian clients or Russia-controlled enterprises will be banned, though long-term contracts signed before June 17, 2025, may be extended until January 2028. The proposal also includes a ban on Russian natural gas imports, with member states to determine elimination measures and timelines. Aimed at advancing the EU's energy transition, the new regulations include emergency market safeguards authorizing member states to temporarily suspend import bans if necessary.
2. Spain blackout caused by poor management of excess energy
A report found the April Iberian power cut was due to poor management of excess solar power. Plunging prices shut solar farms, causing voltage/frequency fluctuations, worsened by lack of balancing gas/nuclear plants. Spain said it was an “overvoltage problem ”. The incident prompts European nations to reassess energy portfolios. Recommendations include better control and interconnection. SolarPower Europe said solar wasn't the cause, blaming regulations, and called for investment in grid resilience. IEA's Cecilia Tam noted insufficient spending on electricity networks amid growing demand.
3. EU Commission Plans Total Ban on Russian Oil and Gas Imports
On June 17, the European Union (EU) Commission proposed legislative measures to phase out imports of Russian natural gas (including pipeline and liquefied natural gas/LNG) and oil by the end of 2027. The plan prohibits new contracts for Russian gas imports starting January 1, 2026, with all long-term contract imports to cease entirely by late 2027. Aimed at eliminating dependence on Russian fossil fuels, the proposal will proceed through the legislative process and is expected to gain support from most member states. Critics including Hungary's Foreign Minister oppose the move, warning it threatens national sovereignty and energy security. Austria's Energy Ministry argues that the possibility of restarting Russian gas imports should be preserved post-conflict.
4. LNG – The Energy Security Driver
At the Energy Asia Executive Conference in Kuala Lumpur, IGU President Andrea Stegher advocated LNG as a global energy security driver. He noted the LNG market remains tight despite 6.5 MTPA capacity growth in 2024, with new FID volumes at a low 14.8 MTPA. Geopolitics drive demand for new capacity, but projects face economic, regulatory and decarbonisation pressures. Decarbonisation is key in LNG projects, with electrification, CCS, and alternative fuels like e-methane and bio-LNG being adopted. LNG's flexibility and dispatchability make it an energy security bridge, especially for Asia where Southeast Asia may become a net gas importer by the 2030s. Stegher met Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister to discuss natural gas' role in energy transition and ASEAN integration, reaffirming IGU's support for sustainable energy systems.
5. Unlocking the Future of LNG
On June 18, 2025, the Atlantic Council and the International Gas Union held a private roundtable named “Unlocking the Future of LNG” in Washington DC during the ninth Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum. Attended by industry leaders, government reps, and associations, it explored LNG as a crucial part of global energy security. Starting with the launch of IGU’s 2025 World LNG Report, the session, led by IGU's Secretary General and the Atlantic Council's Energy Advisory Group Chairman, discussed geopolitical impacts of LNG capacity expansion, new tech and market opportunities, and LNG's role in decarbonizing tough sectors. The conclusion was that while there's growth potential, uncertainties need to be addressed.
6. Russia Offers LNG Supply and Energy Technology to Mexico
On June 21, the Russian Embassy in Mexico announced Russia’s readiness to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Mexico and share expertise in the energy sector, including advanced oil extraction technologies for complex geological conditions and solutions to enhance refining efficiency. Mexico’s state-owned oil company, Pemex, faces financial and infrastructural challenges in reviving production. Currently, the country relies on imports for 72% of its natural gas demand, nearly all of which comes from the United States. Following supply disruptions caused by extreme weather events in the U.S., Mexico has accelerated its gas storage plans. As of now, neither the Mexican presidency nor Pemex has responded to Russia’s proposal.