Russia: We will send Russian gas to the Asian market instead of Europe.

06.03.2026 21:29

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said that following President Vladimir Putin's instructions, Russian energy companies will send natural gas that is being shipped to Europe to the Asian market. Novak stated, "Our companies are evaluating opportunities with other countries such as India, Thailand, the Philippines, and China."

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandr Novak evaluated the instruction given by Russian President Vladimir Putin to redirect Russian gas to other markets instead of Europe in a statement to reporters in the capital Moscow.

"OUR COMPANIES ARE EVALUATING OPPORTUNITIES WITH OTHER COUNTRIES SUCH AS INDIA, THAILAND, THE PHILIPPINES, AND CHINA"

Novak, who stated that the Russian government has been in talks with companies following Putin's instruction, said, "We decided to redirect some of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplied to Europe to other markets with which we have constructive relationships and where we have the opportunity to sign long-term contracts."

Noting that Russian companies have started discussions with the relevant countries, Novak stated, "Our companies are evaluating opportunities with other countries such as India, Thailand, the Philippines, and China to sign new long-term contracts with our partners without waiting for new restrictions from Europe."

Deputy Prime Minister Novak emphasized that they want to send Russian natural gas to friendly countries.

PUTIN HAD GIVEN INSTRUCTIONS

Putin indicated that Russia could completely withdraw from the European gas market and instructed the government to take the necessary steps to completely halt gas shipments to the European Union (EU).

The EU Council had approved a decision to completely stop the import of natural gas and LNG from Russia via pipelines next year.