Greece’s natural gas market expanded significantly in the first quarter of 2026, driven primarily by a sharp increase in cross-border flows and higher LNG imports, while domestic consumption recorded a slight decline, according to transmission system operator DESFA.
Total gas demand between January and March reached 26.42 TWh, marking an 18.5% increase compared to 22.3 TWh in the same period of 2025. A key driver of this growth was a surge in exports, which climbed to 5.99 TWh from just 1.44 TWh a year earlier. This development further reinforces Greece’s growing role as a regional gas transit and trading hub.
In contrast, domestic gas consumption decreased slightly, reaching 20.43 TWh, down 2.1% year-on-year. DESFA noted that this shift reflects changes in consumption patterns, with reduced gas use in electricity generation offset by increases in industrial demand, compressed natural gas (CNG), and distribution network consumption.
Gas imports during the quarter totaled 26.4 TWh, with liquefied natural gas (LNG) accounting for the majority share. LNG deliveries reached 14.9 TWh, representing about 56% of total imports and increasing significantly compared to 10.96 TWh in the same period last year. This highlights Greece’s growing reliance on LNG as a key supply source.
The Revythoussa LNG terminal remained the country’s primary entry point, receiving 11.44 TWh, or approximately 43% of all imports. The Alexandroupoli terminal also contributed with 3.46 TWh (around 13%). Pipeline imports continued to play an important role, with 8.77 TWh entering via Sidirokastro and 2.73 TWh through Nea Mesimvria.
Within the domestic consumption mix, gas use in power generation declined to 12.48 TWh from 13.33 TWh a year earlier. Meanwhile, industrial consumption and CNG demand increased to 2.28 TWh, up from 2.13 TWh, and deliveries to distribution networks rose to 5.67 TWh, compared to 5.40 TWh in Q1 2025.
The United States remained Greece’s leading LNG supplier, providing 7.6 TWh, or roughly two-thirds of total LNG imports. It was followed by Nigeria with 3.02 TWh, while smaller volumes were supplied by Egypt (0.51 TWh) and Mauritania (0.35 TWh).
Despite a reduction in the number of LNG cargoes, total imported volumes increased. A total of 16 cargoes were delivered in the first quarter of 2026, transferring 11.48 TWh, compared to 20 cargoes and 10.65 TWh a year earlier. This suggests larger shipments per cargo and improved import efficiency.
Growth was also evident in the small-scale LNG segment, where activity nearly doubled. A total of 273 LNG trucks were loaded during the quarter, compared to 144 in the same period last year. Truck-loading volumes rose to 12,496 cubic meters, while the energy delivered increased by approximately 92% to 83,252.18 MWh. These trends highlight the rapid development of Greece’s small-scale LNG market alongside its expanding role in regional energy flows.
