In a significant development for the energy landscape of Southeast Europe, Greece is poised to receive a substantial influx of US liquefied natural gas (LNG) in early 2026. This surge underscores Greece’s evolving position as a pivotal regional gas distribution hub, particularly ahead of the anticipated full operational capacity of the Vertical Gas Corridor. Current shipping schedules indicate that at least 17 LNG tankers from the United States are expected to dock in Greek ports during the first quarter of the year.
The majority of these shipments are earmarked for the Revythoussa terminal, which is preparing to accommodate 14 deliveries between January and March. This schedule includes four deliveries each in January and February, followed by six in March, collectively amounting to over 11 terawatt-hours (TWh) of gas. A significant portion of this volume is projected to be redirected northward, primarily benefiting Bulgaria.
Additionally, the Alexandroupoli LNG terminal is set to receive at least one tanker per month throughout the same period. Market analysts suggest that there could be further arrivals in February and March, potentially raising the total number of US shipments to 17 or more within just three months.
If all planned deliveries materialize, Greece would experience an unprecedented average of five to six LNG carriers per month—an occurrence rarely seen in the local market. Energy analysts emphasize that sustained interest from US suppliers bolsters Greece’s potential as a transit route for gas heading toward Eastern Europe and Ukraine, especially once initial operational challenges along the Vertical Gas Corridor are addressed.
This anticipated increase in imports comes on the heels of a dramatic rise in US LNG flows to Greece throughout 2025, where deliveries surged to approximately 8.59 TWh—three times the volume recorded in 2024. These trends have positioned both Revythoussa and Alexandroupoli as critical nodes within the Balkan gas supply chain.
Moreover, ongoing cold weather conditions across Europe have escalated gas consumption levels and intensified spot trading activities, resulting in a nearly 40% increase in prices since early January. As of last week, benchmark gas prices reached €37.6 per megawatt-hour (MWh). Traders report robust demand for spot cargoes in Greece and neighboring Balkan markets, heightening the likelihood of additional LNG shipments beyond those already scheduled.
