Ukraine keen to buy LNG from Mozambique, both countries' presidents agree to maintain regular contact

Mozambican President Daniel Chapo and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a telephone conversation on March 23 in which they discussed ways to strengthen the nations’ relationship.

Chapo posted on X on the same day that the call, which focused on agriculture, energy, trade, and technical-professional training, was a “new boost” to their cooperation.

“We reiterated the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, and respect for international law as fundamental pillars for global peace and stability, reaffirming our commitment to deepen cooperation for the benefit of our peoples,” he said.

Reuters cited Zelenskyy as saying on the Telegram messaging app after his call with Chapo that his country could offer the southern African nation, which is battling an Islamist insurgency, support in countering its security challenges. He added that Ukraine is keen to buy liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Mozambique.

"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," he stated.

Mozambique has up to 180 trillion cubic feet of recoverable gas, especially in an offshore field north of the country.  

Italian supermajor Eni (BIT:ENI) is operating the sole producing project in the north with the capacity to produce 3.4mn tonnes of LNG per year. 

In January, TotalEnergies (Paris/LSE/NYSE: TTE) resumed construction at its onshore project in the same region after it decamped in early 2021 following a raid by Islamist insurgents at a nearby town.

The fighting, which started in 2017, has been easing in recent months, encouraging the supermajor to return to the site.

South African firm Sasol (JSE: SOL) is producing gas at its project in southern Mozambique, with the bulk of its production committed to the South African market.

Ukraine is scouting for alternative sources of gas following the disruption of supplies over the past month due to the armed conflict between Israel and Iran.

“We discussed the possibilities for gas supplies to Ukraine and opportunities for countering security challenges with the President of Mozambique, @daniel_chapo24," Zelenskyy posted on X.

“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. We also discussed possible cooperation in the areas of digitalisation and food security. We agreed that our teams will work together.”