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Market Chatter: Russia Grows Shadow LNG Fleet to Bypass EU Sanctions

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Russia is quietly expanding a shadow fleet of gas-carrying ships, acquiring second-hand vessels and its first domestically built tankers ahead of upcoming European Union restrictions on its liquefied natural gas cargoes, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday, citing industry data.

The growing fleet will enable Moscow to maintain gas exports when tightened measures take effect in 2027, mirroring the strategy it used with a dark fleet of oil tankers to bypass Western sanctions.

The EU has gradually tightened restrictions designed to curb the fossil-fuel revenues that fund the Kremlin's military operations in Ukraine.

Russia's Ministry of Energy did not immediately respond to' requests for comment.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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