Start-stop for Russian LNG
Some Russian LNG projects are advancing, but bigger expansion plans look ever distant
The launch of Novatek's Yamal liquefied natural gas venture in late 2017 will put the seal on Russia's redirected and upgraded global LNG strategy. Russia's renewed push to become a large global LNG player has been based on two strategic adjustments: the so-called "pivot to the east" to target premium LNG markets in Asia rather than the originally intended US market, which is flooded with domestic shale gas; and putting Russian LNG onto the market as quickly as possible, drawing on reserves that have already been explored and are ready for development. Yamal LNG will be the first project to take advantage of Russia's export liberalisation law that broke Gazprom's complete monopoly on all gas
Also in this section
6 February 2026
The long close relationship between key supplier Qatar and pivotal buyer Japan becomes even deeper following new landmark deal
6 February 2026
Partnerships across the LNG value chain have evolved over time, growing in both complexity and importance, according to panellists at LNG2026
6 February 2026
Nigeria's mega-refinery is still trying to solve many challenges, all while its owner talks up expansion
5 February 2026
While broadly supportive of EU efforts to tackle methane emissions, representatives of the gas industry warn it could deter supply contracting if timelines and compliance requirements are not made more pragmatic
