The gas dispute between Russia and Ukraine has focused minds in the EU not only on building new pipelines to diversify sources of energy, but also on increasing the EU's use of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Shortages in Bulgaria, the EU country worst affected by the dispute, were mitigated by LNG shipped to Greece and piped from there. The European Commission says that the crisis shows the relevance of the action plan for 'energy security and solidarity' that it presented in November, which called for member states to improve their access to LNG. Despite LNG's strategic advantages, any attempt radically to increase its use poses formidable difficulties for energy companies and EU policymakers.