Russia Sends Record Gas Shipment to Spain Amid Middle East Conflict
In March 2026, during the first month of a new war in the Middle East, Russia delivered its largest ever monthly gas shipment to Spain, totaling 9,807 gigawatt hours. This record volume, documented by grid operator Enagás, more than doubled February imports and exceeded levels seen during the 2023 energy crisis. The surge is attributed to geopolitical disruptions in the Persian Gulf, where attacks on energy infrastructure in Iran, Qatar, and the UAE have constrained supplies and driven up global prices. Consequently, European buyers are turning to Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG), which remains permissible under EU sanctions until 2027 and is currently priced competitively. Spain’s extensive regasification infrastructure allows international traders to import and store this gas, potentially for re-export rather than domestic consumption. While spot market prices have stabilized around 42 euros per MWh from recent highs above 60 euros, the shift highlights Europe's continued reliance on Russian energy despite ongoing conflicts in both Ukraine and the Middle East. Experts describe the data as striking, reflecting complex market dynamics where security concerns and economic incentives drive trade flows.
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Russia Sends Record Gas Shipment to Spain Amid Middle East Conflict
In March 2026, during the first month of a new war in the Middle East, Russia delivered its largest ever monthly gas shipment to Spain, totaling 9,807 gigawatt hours. This record volume, documented by grid operator Enagás, more than doubled February imports and exceeded levels seen during the 2023 energy crisis. The surge is attributed to geopolitical disruptions in the Persian Gulf, where attacks on energy infrastructure in Iran, Qatar, and the UAE have constrained supplies and driven up global prices. Consequently, European buyers are turning to Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG), which remains permissible under EU sanctions until 2027 and is currently priced competitively. Spain’s extensive regasification infrastructure allows international traders to import and store this gas, potentially for re-export rather than domestic consumption. While spot market prices have stabilized around 42 euros per MWh from recent highs above 60 euros, the shift highlights Europe's continued reliance on Russian energy despite ongoing conflicts in both Ukraine and the Middle East. Experts describe the data as striking, reflecting complex market dynamics where security concerns and economic incentives drive trade flows.
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