On 23 July 2026, the EU adopted its 21st round of sanctions against Russia.

Several individuals, entities and vessels were added to the sanctioned lists. The ports of Olya and Vysotsk were also added to the list of sanctioned ports.

Notably, the EU provided that the automatic adjustment of the oil price cap mechanism shall be paused until 15 July 2027. The pause was introduced to ensure that Russia’s profits from oil sales remain contained, despite the market situation caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The new round of sanctions also contains relevant updates for the LNG sector.

On the one hand, the EU introduced a new article 3qa in Regulation (EU) 833/2014, providing that any EU operator selling an LNG tanker vessel falling under CN code ex 8901 20 to any third country shall immediately notify the sale to the competent authorities. The new Article 3qa also provides for the possibility to introduce due diligence and contractual obligations in case of sale of LNG tankers, as well as new restrictions on the sale of LNG tankers to Russian citizens and companies.

On the other hand, through the new round of sanctions, the EU introduced two main exemptions on LNG sanctions.

First, in order to mitigate adverse consequences for the energy supply of some partner countries, it introduced an exemption from the prohibition to transfer and to provide technical assistance, brokering services or financing or financial assistance, related to the transfer of Russian LNG originating in the Sakhalin-2 Project to certain third countries (Japan and Korea).

Secondly, it introduced a temporary exemption with regard to the transfer or purchase of LNG originating in or exported from Russia where such transfer or purchase is made on the basis of a long-term contract for the supply of LNG, concluded before 24 February 2022 and the duration of which exceeds one year.

By 25 August 2026 and every three months thereafter, EU operators transporting LNG will be required to notify and report to the competent authorities the details of LNG transport they perform.

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