Share of Russian gas in overall European imports more than halves, to 19% - Novak

MOSCOW. Oct 15 (Interfax) - The share of Russian gas in overall gas imports by European countries fell to 19% from the previous 44%, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said during a plenary session at the Russian Energy Week (REW 2025).

"The effective amount of gas imported from us to date really has decreased. Previously, the share of Russian gas in the European energy mix was around 44%, while it now remains at around 19%. As such, it has halved. But nonetheless, Russia is still supplying gas," Novak said.

He gave special thanks to Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs Peter Szijjarto, seated nearby, since Hungary is one of the few EU countries to continue purchasing gas from Russia.

"There still are some sensible countries who take sensible approaches to ensuring their own energy security [...] We value this sovereignty, the approach which this country [Hungary] is now taking, in spite of pressure from outside. First and foremost, I am referring to all manner of bureaucratic add-ons from the European Commission," Novak said.

Novak said that Russia was prepared to increase gas exports to European countries, should they request this. He also said that Russia had always accommodated the EU's requests to supply additional gas volumes during periods of higher consumption, for example, during cold winters.