MOSCOW, February 13. /TASS/. Gas consumption in EU countries remained at last year’s level in January 2025 amid colder temperatures and low power generation using renewable sources of energy. Meanwhile, pipeline gas imports to the EU decreased last month following the termination of transit of Russian gas via Ukraine, the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) reported.

"In January 2025, the EU maintained its gas consumption at 42 bcm, marking the fifth consecutive month without decline following a prolonged period of contraction. This stability was primarily supported by increased consumption in the power and residential sectors, fueled by colder-than-average temperatures and reduced wind and hydro generation," the report said.

Moreover, low wind and solar output coupled with lower hydro output led to a greater dependence on gas-fired power plants to stabilize the electricity grid across the region. Similarly, industrial gas consumption sustained its upward trend, supported by a recovery in key European economies and the benefit of a stabilized gas prices.

In particular, gas demand went up by 1.3% in January to 11 bcm in Germany, by 3% to 8.1 bcm in Italy, down by 3% to 4.8 bcm in France, by 2.5% to 3 bcm in Spain, and up by 8.8% to 8.7 bcm in the UK.

Imports of pipeline gas to the EU amounted to 11.9 bln cubic meters in January, down by 13% month-on-month and by 10% year-on-year. The decrease was due to termination of transit of Russian gas via Ukraine, as well as redirection of part of Norway’s supplies to the UK, the report said.

China’s gas demand fell by 1.3% in annual terms to 37.7 bcm in December 2024, marking its first decline in over 20 months, "as milder winter temperatures and increased output from nuclear and renewable sources reduced reliance on gas," according to the report.

LNG supplies to Europe rose by 8.4% in January year-on-year to 12.03 mln tones. LNG imports grew amid a decline in pipeline supplies and mounting gas demand due to colder temperatures. LNG imports by Asian countries lost 5% to around 24.73 mln tons.

Global LNG exports went up by 1.8% in January year-on-year to 37.83 mln tons, which is a record level for this month.

Among top three suppliers of liquefied gas in January were the US, Qatar, and Australia, the GECF said, adding that Russia was the fourth with around 3 mln tons delivered.