Russian gas production rises 3% as pipeline and LNG exports increase
Russia produced 397 billion cubic metres of gas in January-July 2026, up 3% year on year, according to Rosstat data reported by Vedomosti. Natural gas and LNG output increased, while associated petroleum gas production declined.
Seven-month production reaches 397 billion cubic metres
Russian gas production increased by 3% year on year in the first seven months of 2026, reaching 397 billion cubic metres, according to Rosstat data cited by Vedomosti and reported by Lenta.ru. The figures indicate higher output of natural gas, while production of associated petroleum gas moved in the opposite direction.
Natural gas production rose by 4% to 338 billion cubic metres between January and July. Associated petroleum gas output declined by 1% to 59 billion cubic metres. Natural gas therefore accounted for most of the overall increase and represented about 85% of the combined volume reported for the period.
Production remained above its 2025 level through June, but growth slowed in July. Natural gas output during the month was only 0.4% higher than a year earlier, while associated petroleum gas production fell by 2%. The July data suggest that the strong year-to-date comparison partly reflects weaker production at the beginning of 2025.
LNG output records double-digit growth
Russia also increased production of liquefied natural gas. LNG output climbed by 14% year on year in July to 2.3 million tonnes. For January-July, production reached 20.6 million tonnes, an increase of 12% from the corresponding period of 2025.
The reported expansion was linked to weather conditions and stronger exports. Sergei Kaufman, an analyst at Finam, said gas output in the first quarter of 2025 had been lower because of a warm heating season. Weather in 2026 has supported higher demand, while exports have grown through pipeline deliveries to European countries via TurkStream and increased LNG shipments. Supplies to Central Asian countries were also among the factors identified in the report.
Russian production had declined in 2025 following the end of gas transit through Ukraine and a reduction in domestic LNG output. The latest figures show that higher LNG production and alternative export routes have partially offset that weaker comparison. However, the slowdown in July means the 3% seven-month increase should not automatically be treated as the pace likely to prevail for the full year.
Global demand outlook remains weak
The production increase comes as the International Gas Union expects global gas demand in 2026 to fall by 7 billion cubic metres compared with 2025. Its report forecasts the sharpest contraction in the Middle East, where consumption could decline by 2.7%, or 17 billion cubic metres. European demand is expected to fall by 4 billion cubic metres, or 0.8%, while Asian demand may decrease by 2 billion cubic metres, or 0.2%.
For Russian producers and exporters, rising output expands the volume potentially available to domestic consumers, pipeline buyers and LNG customers. Actual export availability will still depend on seasonal domestic demand, operating conditions at LNG facilities and access to transport routes. With demand expected to weaken in several major regions, additional supply may also face greater competition for buyers.
