U.S. liquefied natural gas accounted for nearly two-thirds of Italy’s LNG imports in the first half of 2026, underscoring how geopolitical tensions around the Strait of Hormuz are accelerating Europe’s post-Russia energy diversification.
The shift: Italy received 113 LNG cargoes between January and June, including 70 from the United States, or 62% of the total, according to Snam. That compares with 52 U.S. cargoes out of 110 (47%) during the same period in 2025. Across Europe, around 60% of imported LNG now comes from the U.S., according to an S&P Global analysis cited by Il Sole 24 Ore.
Why it matters:
- The data highlight the growing role of U.S. LNG in Europe’s energy security.
- Supply disruptions affecting Qatar reinforced the value of diversified import sources.
- Italy’s gas system absorbed the shock without major supply shortages despite heightened regional tensions.
- The trend confirms LNG infrastructure has become a strategic asset for both Italy and the EU.
Zoom in: Qatar disruption boosts U.S. volumes. The increase in U.S. deliveries came as shipments from Qatar declined following disruptions linked to attacks on liquefaction facilities at Ras Laffan and concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
- Only 16 Qatari cargoes reached Italy in the first six months of 2026, down from 23 a year earlier.
- The report notes that Edison, after receiving a force majeure notification from QatarEnergy related to its long-term supply contract, replaced much of the missing Qatari LNG with U.S. cargoes.
The big picture: The figures illustrate how Europe’s strategy of diversifying away from concentrated supply risks has extended beyond the reduction of Russian gas.
- According to the data cited, diversification allowed Italy to offset lower Qatari imports while meeting rising domestic gas demand.
Energy first: Gas consumption increased during the first months of the year, driven by stronger electricity demand and lower hydroelectric generation.
- Snam’s latest data, cited in the report, show:
- Gas demand in May rose 6% year over year.
- Electricity demand increased by 2%, partly due to higher temperatures.
- Gas-fired power generation rose 25% as lower hydroelectric output was offset by greater use of thermal generation.
- At the same time, LNG regasification volumes increased, while pipeline imports from Algeria remained stable. Gas arriving through the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) also held steady.
Security of supply. Italy continued filling underground storage facilities ahead of winter.
- According to the report, the country currently holds the largest volume of stored gas in the European Union, with storage levels above the EU average.
- The data are presented as further evidence of the resilience of Italy’s gas system despite geopolitical disruptions affecting global energy markets.
The bottom line: The first half of 2026 suggests that tensions around Hormuz have reinforced, rather than reversed, Europe’s diversification strategy. In Italy, the immediate effect has been a sharper shift toward U.S. LNG while maintaining security of supply through a broader mix of import routes and storage capacity.
