Commodities

Germany Still Trades Russian Gas as Canceling Costs €10 Billion

  • SEFE has picked up two Russian LNG cargoes destined for India
  • Government faces dilemma over costs versus political rhetoric

A terminal for liquified natural gas floating stations near Wilhelmshaven, Germany. 

Photographer: David Hecker/Getty Images
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Germany is still trading Russian liquefied natural gas, as canceling the contract of a nationalized firm could cost billions of euros — creating a dilemma for Berlin and potentially benefiting Moscow.

SEFE GmbH — a former unit of Gazprom PJSC — is shipping Russian LNG under the terms of a legacy contract that existed before Germany took over the company last year. The cargoes, which aren’t subject to international sanctions, are bound for India.