The move is part of the EU’s decision to phase out Russian fuel amid the conflict in Ukraine. While pipeline deliveries of natural gas have fallen to record lows, LNG imports from Russia have soared.
EU energy ministers meeting in Brussels on Tuesday are set to approve a proposal that would give member governments the option to temporarily ban Russian exporters from pre-booking infrastructure capacity needed to supply . The proposed regulation must be approved by the European Parliament.
According to experts, individual governments will still need consultations, including with other EU countries and the European Commission, to use this mechanism, the tool can continue to reduce the flow of energy from Russia .
Earlier, EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson called for a halt to Russian LNG supplies, saying companies should not renew long-term contracts after current ones expire. Spain, which is the biggest buyer of Russian LNG in the EU this year, has asked companies not to subscribe to new purchases from Russia.
