What does the EU Commission's June 1 letter clarify about EU operators' ability to trade Russian LNG with non-EU buyers?

The EU Commission's June 1 letter clarifies that EU-based companies are prohibited from trading or marketing Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) to third countries — regardless of whether the LNG is destined for the EU or not. It explicitly states: 'The transfer of Russian LNG by Union operators irrespective of final destination is prohibited in the context of the LNG ban.' This ends ambiguity for firms holding long-term contracts (e.g., TotalEnergies, SEFE, Naturgy) who had hoped to divert Russian LNG cargoes to non-EU buyers as a mitigation measure under force majeure provisions.

How do companies like TotalEnergies and Naturgy view the implications of this ban on their existing Russian LNG purchase commitments?

TotalEnergies has indicated it may sell its 20% stake in the Yamal LNG project if prohibited from marketing that gas outside the EU, and its CEO confirmed he had not received clarity from authorities, citing conflicting legal advice. Naturgy warned in its 2025 annual report that the import ban affects €10.95 billion ($12.57 billion) in Russian gas purchase commitments, and its general counsel explained that invoking force majeure requires mitigation efforts — including the ability to redirect volumes outside Europe — which the Commission’s ban now undermines.

EU Commission Clarifies Ban on All Russian LNG Trade for EU Operators from 2027

Jun 18, 2026

The EU Commission clarified that EU operators are prohibited from trading Russian LNG to third countries starting in 2027, regardless of destination. Major energy firms like TotalEnergies and Naturgy face potential contract disruptions and stake sales due to this expanded sanction scope.

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