Greece’s natural gas market strengthened in the first half of 2026, with cross-border flows cited by DESFA as the main driver behind demand growth. The transmission system operator said the figures point to an expanding role for Greece as a regional gas transit hub, supported by higher exports and stronger LNG activity.
Demand growth driven by external gas exports
Between January and June 2026, total natural gas demand reached 43.09 TWh, up 15.06% year on year from 37.45 TWh in the same period of 2025. DESFA attributed the increase primarily to external demand, as gas exports rose to 8.72 TWh from 2.86 TWh. Imports also tracked market expansion, increasing 14.76% year on year to 43.07 TWh.
Gas demand within Greece declined slightly to 34.37 TWh, down 0.64% from 34.59 TWh in the first half of 2025. DESFA said lower consumption from electricity producers was largely offset by higher demand from industrial users, compressed natural gas (CNG) applications and distribution networks.
LNG terminals and entry points expand supply volumes
The Revythoussa LNG terminal remained Greece’s main import gateway, receiving 18.61 TWh, or about 43% of total imports in the period. DESFA reported that LNG deliveries through Revythoussa increased by more than 25% compared with the first half of 2025. The Sidirokastro entry point ranked second with 15.47 TWh, followed by Nea Mesimvria with 5.53 TWh.
LNG imports through the Alexandroupoli floating LNG terminal also rose, reaching 3.46 TWh, more than three times the previous year’s level. Overall LNG shipments delivered 18.18 TWh during the six-month period.
Gas use in power generation and distribution networks
Electricity generation continued to be the largest source of domestic gas demand despite a moderate decline versus 2025. Gas-fired power producers consumed 22.41 TWh, down from 23.25 TWh, accounting for around 65% of total domestic consumption in the first half of 2026.
Distribution networks increased consumption to 8.08 TWh, compared with 7.69 TWh. Industrial users and the CNG sector together raised demand to 3.88 TWh, up from 3.65 TWh.
LNG supply mix and growth in truck-loading activity
The United States was Greece’s largest LNG supplier in the first half of 2026, with US cargoes reaching 12.67 TWh, about 70% of LNG volumes delivered through Revythoussa. Nigeria supplied 4.16 TWh, while additional volumes arrived from Egypt, Algeria and Mauritania during the period.
A total of 24 LNG shipments delivered 18.18 TWh, compared with 27 cargoes supplying 14.66 TWh in the first half of 2025. DESFA also reported continued expansion in LNG truck-loading operations, with supplied trucks rising to 537, from 273. Traded LNG volumes doubled to 24,641 cubic metres, while equivalent energy volume increased from around 0.08 TWh to 0.16 Twh to 0.16 Twh.
LNG volumes rise alongside cross-border flows across Southeast Europe
The first-half 2026 data show Greece becoming increasingly important within the Southeast European gas market, according to DESFA figures on flows and infrastructure activity. Stronger LNG inflows, rising exports and expanding infrastructure were cited as factors supporting Greece’s position as a regional energy corridor for neighbouring markets.
