Portugal is set to ramp up its imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Nigeria and the United States as part of its strategy to eliminate the remaining traces of Russian gas from its energy mix, according to Environment Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho.
Data from the national grid operator, REN, indicates that Portugal imported a total of 49,141 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of natural gas in 2024, with LNG making up approximately 96% of the total supply. Nigeria was the country’s largest supplier, providing 51% of LNG imports, while the U.S. accounted for 40%. Russia, which previously played a larger role, contributed only 4.4% of Portugal’s LNG imports last year.
Back in 2021, Russian LNG comprised around 15% of Portugal’s gas supply. However, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the European Union introduced sanctions targeting Russian oil and pipeline gas. Although these sanctions did not directly prohibit LNG shipments, many European nations, including Portugal, have been taking steps to reduce reliance on Russian energy sources.
Read also: Angola LNG boosts production amid Nigeria’s supply challenges
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Carvalho emphasized that Portugal has achieved near-complete independence from Russian gas but remains committed to further reducing its presence. She highlighted plans to deepen energy ties with Nigeria and the U.S. to strengthen supply security.
Despite these efforts, the minister pointed out that Portugal and Spain still face challenges due to limited energy interconnections with the rest of Europe, describing the Iberian Peninsula as an “energy island.” She called for greater cooperation among European Union member states to enhance energy security and integration across the region.
Meanwhile, the U.S. government, under President Donald Trump, has previously warned European nations of potential tariffs if they do not boost imports of American energy products.
Portugal’s shift toward Nigerian and U.S. LNG underscores its broader commitment to diversifying energy sources and achieving long-term energy security amidst evolving geopolitical challenges.
