Platts proposes to exclude Russia-origin LNG, vessels in East Med LNG assessments

Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, is proposing to exclude Russian-origin LNG and Russian vessels from its East Mediterranean (EMM) LNG assessment specifications, effective Feb. 2.

Following market feedback, and due to the upcoming EU ban on short-term Russian LNG starting April 25, 2026, Platts considers that Russia-origin LNG will not be merchantable on the same basis as other production origins.

Consequently, bids, offers, and trades reported in the Platts Atlantic LNG Market on Close assessment process would not reflect Russia-origin LNG or transactions where the performing ships are Russian-flagged, registered, owned, controlled, chartered or operated.

LNG cargoes originating from Russia accounted for 0.3% of imports into East Med in 2025, S&P Global Energy CERA data shows.

Platts East Mediterranean methodology currently reflects cargoes delivered ex-ship (DES) into the Turkish ports of Aliaga, Dortyol , Etki , Marmara, Ereglisi , and Saros. Deliveries into ports in Croatia, Greece and ports of Adriatic and Ravenna in Eastern Italy may also be considered but may be normalized.

Platts also wishes to clarify NWE, the benchmark price reflecting LNG delivered to Northwest Europe, and Platts MED, the price reflecting deliveries to the West Mediterranean, exclude Russia-origin LNG and Russian vessels from the Platts Market on Close assessment process.

Please send all comments, feedback, and questions to lngeditorialteam@spglobal.com and pricegroup@spglobal.com by Jan. 26.

For written comments, please provide a clear indication if they are not intended for publication by Platts for public viewing. Platts will consider all comments received and will make those not marked as confidential available to the public upon request.