Lithuania and Russia Engage in Crucial Talks on Gas Transit to Kaliningrad
In May 2024, amid escalating tensions between Lithuania and Russia, active diplomatic discussions are underway regarding the future of natural gas transit through Lithuanian territory to Russia’s Kaliningrad region.
Lithuanian energy companies and Russian gas giants, including Gazprom, are in negotiations to sign a new agreement that could replace the current ten-year deal, which expires in December 2025.Currently, Lithuania earns an average of about 12 million euros annually from transit revenues for gas coming from Belarus and passing through its territory to Kaliningrad.
This transit is an essential part of regional energy security and provides a stable income stream for Lithuanian system operators.
The negotiations also consider the possibility of a short-term agreement with increased tariffs to offset potential risks and ensure continuity of the pipeline operations.These discussions involve the European Commission, which aims to balance regional interests with Russian aspirations.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda publicly expressed support for extending the transit agreement, emphasizing that it would help prevent additional conflicts and maintain regional stability.
Notably, Lithuania was among the first EU countries to fully halt imports of Russian gas after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, demonstrating firm commitment to energy independence and regional solidarity.