TotalEnergies may redirect Russian LNG to Asia if EU bans imports

Core Viewpoint - The European Union's proposed ban on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports could lead to a redirection of shipments to other regions, such as Turkey and India, as TotalEnergies' CEO suggests that the Yamal LNG facility may not face sanctions despite the ban [1][2][4]. Group 1: Company Insights - TotalEnergies holds a long-term contract for 5 million tonnes of LNG from the Yamal facility, with 2 million tonnes designated for Europe, 2 million tonnes for Asia, and 1 million tonnes not geographically linked [8]. - The CEO of TotalEnergies indicated that if sanctions are imposed on the Yamal facility, the company would need to halt deliveries and invoke force majeure [6]. - TotalEnergies is a shareholder in the Novatek-led Yamal LNG plant, which is currently not under restrictions unlike newer projects in Russia [1]. Group 2: Industry Context - The EU's proposed ban on Russian LNG imports is part of a broader sanctions package aimed at phasing out Russian fossil fuels due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine [4]. - European gas traders are closely monitoring the situation, as further sanctions could heighten global competition for LNG cargoes, potentially driving prices up in the short term [7]. - The market is expected to be well supplied with alternatives to Russian gas by 2027, 2028, and 2029, according to industry insights [9].