Sanctioned Russian LNG Cargo Heads to India for First Time

A cargo of U.S.-sanctioned Russian LNG is heading to India for the first time, according to shipping data, potentially opening a new market for Moscow’s exports. The shipment highlights shifting global LNG trade flows as Russia seeks alternatives ahead of Europe’s planned import ban.

(Reuters) — A cargo of U.S.-sanctioned Russian LNG is en route to India, potentially marking the first such delivery and signaling a shift in global gas trade flows, according to shipping data from LSEG.

The cargo originates from Russia’s Portovaya LNG plant on the Baltic Sea and is expected to arrive at the Dahej import terminal on India’s west coast. If completed, the shipment would expand the limited market for sanctioned Russian LNG beyond China, which has been the primary destination.

Russia has sought to redirect LNG exports following sanctions tied to the Ukraine war and ahead of the European Union’s planned phaseout of Russian LNG imports. The Portovaya facility, with capacity of about 1.5 million tons per year, has seen reduced export activity since additional sanctions were imposed in 2025.

India, one of the world’s largest energy importers, has not confirmed any policy restricting Russian LNG purchases and continues to prioritize price and supply security in sourcing decisions.

The shipment comes amid tighter global gas markets following disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which have supported higher prices and increased competition for LNG cargoes.