Which European Countries Still Buy Russian Gas in 2024?

In 2024, European countries still rely on Russian gas for a portion of their energy needs, despite efforts to reduce dependence. While many nations have cut back sharply since 2022, some continue importing via pipelines or liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments. Understanding who still buys Russian gas—and why—can help businesses and households plan for energy costs and supply security.

Countries Still Importing Russian Gas

Several European Union members continue purchasing Russian gas, though volumes have dropped significantly. Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria remain the most reliant, using Russian gas for heating, industry, and electricity. Bulgaria also imports via the TurkStream pipeline, while Croatia and Slovenia receive small volumes through transit routes.

Outside the EU, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina still depend heavily on Russian gas supplies. These countries often cite long-term contracts or limited pipeline alternatives as reasons for continuing imports.

Why Some Countries Haven’t Fully Cut Ties

For countries like Hungary, geography plays a key role. Landlocked and without access to LNG terminals, they rely on pipelines from Russia. Political decisions also factor in—some governments argue that reducing imports too quickly could destabilize their economies or energy grids.

Others, like Austria, use Russian gas as a backup during peak winter demand. While they’ve diversified with LNG and renewables, they still keep contracts active for emergencies.

The Shift to Alternatives: What’s Working

Countries that have reduced Russian gas imports the most—such as Germany, Poland, and the Baltics—turned to LNG imports from the U.S., Qatar, and Norway. They also accelerated renewable energy projects and expanded pipeline connections to Western Europe.

For businesses, this shift means higher costs in the short term but greater energy independence long-term. Households, meanwhile, face less risk of sudden supply cuts but may see steadier (if higher) energy prices.

What This Means for You

If you’re in a country still importing Russian gas, monitor energy policy changes—your government might renegotiate contracts or impose new fees. For those in countries that have cut ties, diversified energy sources could mean more stable prices but also higher upfront costs for infrastructure.

Either way, energy planning now includes weighing reliability against cost. Countries that locked in long-term LNG deals early, for example, avoided some of the price spikes seen in 2022.