U.S. LNG supplies 62% of Italy's imports in H1 2026 amid Qatar disruptions (decode39.com)

• U.S. LNG share of Italy's imports rose from 47% to 62% year-on-year in H1 2026
• Qatari cargoes to Italy fell from 23 to 16 due to attacks on Ras Laffan
• Italy holds EU's largest gas storage; gas demand up 6% in May; gas-fired generation up 25%

"In the first half of 2026, U.S. liquefied natural gas accounted for 62% of Italy's LNG imports, up from 47% a year earlier. This shift was driven by disruptions to Qatari supplies following attacks on Ras Laffan facilities and Strait of Hormuz tensions. Italy received 70 U.S. cargoes out of 113 total. The country holds the EU's largest gas storage volumes and increased gas-fired power generation by 25% in May. The trend reinforces Europe's diversification away from concentrated supply risks."