In 2023, gas accounts for only 13.7% of France’s energy balance, with LNG traditionally making up only a small fraction – less than a third of total gas consumption. France, being a net gas importer, purchases about 46 billion cubic meters of gas, with Russia historically not playing a dominant role in this volume. Even before 2022, the main exporter was Norway, covering 70-75% of the demand, with most LNG sourced from Qatar and Algeria.

Therefore, the 10-15 billion cubic meters of gas that came from Russia at best can be easily replaced by other suppliers. And if we look exclusively at LNG, it’s just a couple of billion cubic meters.

But France’s energy policy is an interesting topic. The energy transition focusing on renewables, phasing out nuclear power, and reducing fossil fuel usage started during Hollande’s tenure, who completely banned commercial gas extraction in France, even offshore. It’s a rather unique way to slowly dismantle one’s industry, but Macron is sticking to it. Though, of course, he didn’t align with the radicals calling for a full nuclear phase-out. Otherwise, things would have gotten even more interesting. By the way, France even has a Minister of Energy Transition, a highly influential figure.

In French society, reducing gas consumption remains a popular topic, which the authorities actively capitalize on. There’s a plan to phase out gas usage altogether after 2040. However, Macron is already hinting that this is unrealistic, stating that “gas will play an important role in the energy mix.”

In any case, supplies of Russian gas, especially LNG, are not particularly critical for France.