LNG overtook natural gas as the country’s primary energy source import in the first half of 2022, capturing a 45 percent share of Greece’s energy-source imports, a result of reduced Russian natural gas imports, data provided by gas grid operator DESFA has shown.

During the equivalent period last year, LNG imports represented less than 25 percent of Greece’s total energy-source imports.

DESFA’s LNG terminal on the islet Revythoussa, just off Athens, is currently the country’s main gateway for gas imports. The facility is operating at 90 percent of full capacity.

Gas exports to Bulgaria increased considerably in the first half of 2022, reaching 3 bcm to cover the neighboring country’s entire demand, according to authorities. Russia has completely cut off its gas supply to Bulgaria.

Russian natural gas supply to Greece fell to 35 percent of overall energy-source imports in the first half, down from 42 percent last year, a trend highlighting LNG’s growing role as a result of Russia’s dwindling natural gas supplies.

Demand for natural gas in Greece increased in the first half, the data showed.