Russia and Bahrain in final talks over three-year LNG agreement

Russia is nearing the final stages of a major energy agreement with Bahrain that would see Moscow supply 1.5 million metric tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG) annually to the Gulf kingdom over a three-year period, according to sources familiar with the discussions.

If concluded, the deal would mark the first LNG contract of its kind between Russia and Bahrain, reinforcing Russia’s expanding influence in global gas markets and intensifying its competition with U.S. LNG exporters.

Strategic Energy Shift for Both Nations

Bahrain, which hosts the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet, is facing growing domestic gas shortages, particularly during the hot summer months when air-conditioning drives up demand. The country received its first LNG cargo in six years just last month, underscoring its urgent need for alternative supplies.

Russia, the world’s fourth-largest LNG producer after the U.S., Qatar, and Australia, is actively seeking to climb the ranks. It has set ambitious goals to increase its LNG output to 100 million tons per annum (mtpa) in the medium term as part of its energy diversification strategy.

The planned volumes would reportedly be sourced from Russia’s Yamal LNG plant, operated by Novatek, the country’s leading LNG producer. Neither Novatek nor Bahrain’s government communications office has commented on the ongoing negotiations.

According to insiders, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak and Bahrain’s Minister of Oil and Environment, Mohamed bin Mubarak bin Daina, met earlier this week to discuss the terms of the deal, which would include approximately 20 LNG cargoes per year.

“Talks are at an advanced stage and the deal is expected to be concluded soon,” one source told reporters.

Energy Diplomacy Amid Global Realignment

This prospective deal reflects Russia’s growing focus on non-Western energy partnerships amid shifting geopolitical dynamics and sanctions pressure from the West. For Bahrain, it represents a strategic pivot to diversify gas imports and strengthen its energy security.

If finalized, the agreement would further cement Russia’s LNG footprint in the Middle East and signal deeper economic ties with Gulf countries seeking to balance their relationships with both Eastern and Western powers.