The geopolitical crisis in the Middle East appears to be escalating into an energy crisis, with impacts being felt around the world. How does an LNG executive view this situation? What consequences could a tightening of supply have for Europe, and for our region in particular? We asked Luis Sánchez, Head of LNG at MET Group, about these topics.
Source: CEEnergynews
Q: How does the Middle East crisis affect MET Group’s plans for this year?
A: The crisis doesn’t change our strategy – but it definitely stress-tests it. In periods like this, flexibility, robust operations, and diversification of supply and counterparties become daily operational priorities.
For MET Group, the focus remains on securing a broad supply portfolio, optimising storage and managing volatility for our customers. In today’s environment, every decision carries more weight and less room for error.
In this context, our energy partnerships offer a significant advantage. Shipping between the US and Europe is stable and secure, with no conflict zones or political risks expected to disrupt supply. Regarding our LNG deals in Asia, we keep in close contact with our suppliers and buyers, and all deliveries have been successfully completed without any interruption.
Q: How do these geopolitical developments impact gas supply for Europe and the CEE region this year?
A: Europe is unlikely to face an immediate physical shortage, but the market is clearly tightening. The real impact includes higher prices, increased volatility, and stronger global competition for LNG.
For Central and Eastern Europe, the situation is even more sensitive. The region relies heavily on gas arriving through LNG terminals in other parts of Europe before being transported inland. So when global LNG tightens, CEE feels it quickly – primarily through price pressure and reduced flexibility.
Europe’s energy market is now more globally connected – particularly through LNG – meaning that Europe competes directly with Asian buyers for the same volume. There is, therefore, a higher risk that supply swings and demand spikes will determine the direction of flows.
Gas storage levels at the end of winter in Europe were historically low, meaning that security of supply could become an issue again over the coming months, and Europe will have to compete for LNG.
Q: What options exist to replace the lost Qatari volumes for Europe and Central Europe?
A: There is no single replacement for Qatari volumes – it’s a portfolio game. Europe will have to rely on a mix of additional LNG – predominantly from the United States – increased pipeline gas from Norway, North Africa and Azerbaijan, as well as smarter use of storage and demand flexibility.
For Central Europe, the key is not replacing molecules one-to-one, but ensuring access through infrastructure, interconnections and trading liquidity. In this market, access is just as important as supply.
Europe is already buying 57 per cent of its LNG from the United States. MET Group has been proactive in securing short-, mid- and long-term LNG supply agreements – evident in the 10-year agreement with Shell to purchase US LNG. A strong US-EU partnership in LNG is crucial for both sides to ensure economic stability in the coming decades.
Q: Could these geopolitical crises influence Europe’s and the region’s view on LNG, and how might they reshape the gas supply map?
A: This crisis reinforces two things: first, that LNG is indispensable – without it, Europe’s energy system simply wouldn’t have held together in recent years. Second, that LNG is not immune to geopolitical risk – it is global, and therefore vulnerable to global disruptions.
So the takeaway is not ‘less LNG’, but instead ‘more diversification’. The future European gas system – especially in Central and Eastern Europe – will be defined by multiple sources, stronger interconnections and more flexible portfolio management. The era of relying on a single dominant supply route is over.
LNG has become a tool for Europe’s independence and flexibility – it supports diversification of supply, balances seasonal demand, and absorbs market shocks. The good news is that Europe is now far more open to LNG than it was in the past. The next step is crucial: Europe needs reliable partners and suppliers, as well as long-term, diverse relationships.
Q: Last year, MET tripled its LNG cargo volumes; what level of growth is projected for this year? How much of that growth will take place in Europe and in the region?
A: LNG remains a key pillar of our portfolio. We continue to build optionality across sourcing, shipping and regasification, whilst also developing more LNG partnerships and customers. In the current environment, the focus is more on flexibility – being able to redirect volumes and respond quickly to market changes.
MET Group is committed to growing LNG deliveries – as the company has done in recent years. In 2025, MET tripled its LNG activity – with 5.42 million tonnes per year (mtpa) delivered to 17 markets across Europe and Asia, and a 3.7 per cent share of total European LNG imports – corresponding to more than 149 per cent growth compared with the previous year.
In the next three to five years, MET Group’s aim is to be the company of reference in Europe for short-term support and optimisation. We are proud to act as a gateway to Europe, connecting global LNG producers with end-customers across more than 20 European gas markets.