Russian Gas Supplies to Europe Increase by 18 Percent in 2024

Unlike European politicians, Russia realizes not only its responsibility to fulfill its trade obligations, but also to ensure global energy security

Dmitrij Birichevskij

Last year, total Russian gas supplies (pipeline and liquefied) to European countries grew 18 percent compared to a year earlier, reaching 53 billion cubic meters. According to the RIA Novosti news agency, citing Dmitry Birichevsky (pictured), director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Economic Cooperation Department, “Western companies that traditionally buy Russian gas are under strong political pressure. However, in 2024, Russian gas supplies to Europe are estimated to have increased by at least 18% from the previous year to about 53 billion cubic meters.” Birichevsky noted that “these numbers are significantly lower than the pre-covid figures.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly declared Russia’s readiness to continue supplying Russian gas, which is significantly cheaper than American and Arab hydrocarbons, using both pipelines running through Ukraine and the remaining “string” of the Nord Stream Baltic Sea pipeline.

“In any case,” Birichevsky concluded, “the supply volumes under current conditions are another vivid confirmation of Russia’s reliability as an exporter and partner in energy cooperation. Unlike European politicians, we realize not only our responsibility to fulfill our (trade) commitments, but also to ensure global energy security. Let me remind you that Russia played an important role in overcoming the consequences of the global energy crisis of 2021-2023 and continues to ensure the stability of hydrocarbon supplies.”