Russia intends to boost LNG exports despite US restrictions — Bloomberg

According to Bloomberg, Russia is attempting to boost its exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) despite the US restrictions. The LNG tanker Iris left Russia's Arctic LNG 2 export terminal for the first time since October 2024, the news agency reports.

The facility was idle for months due to a lack of buyers and full storage tanks. Last year, the administration of former US President Joe Biden imposed restrictions on ships and companies involved in deliveries from the terminal.

However, Russia can significantly ramp up LNG exports amid the expansion of its shadow fleet. At least 13 ships may start to service Arctic LNG 2, Bloomberg says. According to Malte Humpert, founder of the Arctic Institute, Russia now has more tankers for delivering super-cooled fuel at its disposal than it did in the summer and fall of last year.

He believes China is the most likely buyer of Russian LNG. However, Humpert notes declining Chinese demand for this fuel for the past eight months.