Natural gas accounts for almost a quarter of all energy consumed within the EU, a report prepared by the European Commission shows.

Oil is the biggest single source of energy, accounting for about 38 per cent of total consumption. Solid fuels, nuclear energy and renewable energy sources account for 18 per cent, 16 per cent and 6 per cent respectively, according to the EU Energy and Transport in Figures 2004 edition, which was published yesterday.

Russia's importance as an energy supplier to the EU is underlined by the fact that it is the single biggest supplier of both gas and oil to the bloc.

In 2002, it supplied 32.7 per cent of gas imports to the EU and 26 per cent of oil imports to the bloc's original 15 member states.

Norway is the second biggest energy supplier to the EU, accounting for 29.1 per cent of gas imports and 21.5 per cent of oil imports. The other gas supplier to the EU is Algeria.

Saudi Arabia and Libya together provide about 20 per cent of the EU's oil requirements.

EU states rely on imports for 51 per cent of their gas supplies and 77 per cent of their oil supplies. Only Britain, Denmark and the Netherlands enjoy sizeable oil or gas resources, says the report, which analyses statistics from 2002.

In a chapter detailing individual member states' energy reliance, the report shows that gas accounts for 24.3 per cent of total energy consumed in Ireland. Oil is the biggest energy source, accounting for 58 per cent of total consumption. Solid fuels make up 17 per cent of consumption while renewables made up just 1.9 per cent of consumption in 2002.