Ukraine is looking to import liquefied natural gas from Mozambique, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Monday, as the country works to meet its energy needs after years of attacks by Russia on its production infrastructure, Reuters reported.
Before the war, Ukraine relied almost entirely on its own gas production. However, repeated Russian strikes have reduced its output by about half, according to Central Bank Governor Andriy Pyshnyi, who spoke late last year.
In the autumn, Russia stepped up attacks on Ukrainian gas production facilities, many of which are located in frontline areas in the northeast and central parts of the country.
Speaking on the Telegram messaging platform after meeting Mozambique’s president, Daniel Chapo, Zelenskiy indicated that Kyiv could also support the southern African nation in addressing its security challenges linked to an Islamist insurgency.
“Ukraine is interested in additional energy supplies. Mozambique is interested in Ukraine’s experience and technologies to strengthen its internal security and protect people from terror,” Zelenskiy said, without giving details on the potential volume of gas imports.
Don’t Miss This:
Mozambique LNG Opens New Contracts To Local Companies As Project Restarts
Mozambique is one of Africa’s leading gas producers, and in January, the country and TotalEnergies announced plans to restart a liquefied natural gas project that had previously been suspended due to the insurgency.
The project has the capacity to produce 13 million metric tons of LNG per year and is expected to position Mozambique as a major global exporter.
Ukraine has not imported gas from Russia since 2015. In recent years, Kyiv has been expanding its LNG supply network, including imports of U.S. gas delivered through terminals in Poland and the Baltic states. It also receives U.S. LNG through the so-called Vertical Corridor pipeline system from Greece.
Data from European AGSI energy storage showed last week that Ukraine has already begun storing gas in underground facilities ahead of the next heating season.
Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal said the country aims to begin the 2026–2027 heating season with at least 13 billion cubic metres of gas in storage, roughly in line with the previous season.
Since the war with Russia began, Ukraine has not fully disclosed detailed figures on its gas imports.
Don’t Miss This:
Tanzania Set To Sign $42 Billion Mega LNG Project Before June, Minister Says
Image Credit: Reuters
