[20220323]IN11900_俄罗斯天然气的作用.pdf

CRS INSIGHT Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress INSIGHTINSIGHTi i The Role of Russian Natural Gas March 23, 2022 Russian natural gas exports have been and continue to be of interest to Congress, whether regarding the Nord Stream 2 and TurkStream natural gas pipelines, European energy security, or geopolitical influences. Particularly for Europe, Russias natural gas industry holds greater geopolitical significance than Russian oil. Most of Russias natural gas exports to Europe, its largest market, are by pipeline, which limits Europes supply flexibility. Some European countries are wholly reliant on Russian natural gas imports, and Russia has appeared to adjust its natural gas prices and, occasionally, supplies on the basis of its relationship with consuming countries and as leverage in contract negotiations. In recent years, Russia has widened the market for its natural gas exports, primarily by liquefied natural gas (LNG). Russia has looked to Asia, particularly China, for future natural gas exports. In 2020, 17% of Russias natural gas exports were LNG transported by ships and 83% were non-LNG transported by pipelines. In 2020, 78% of Russian natural gas exports went t