Ukraine Pursues African Gas Deal to Alleviate Energy Shortages
Ukraine is actively seeking to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Mozambique as it confronts severe energy shortages exacerbated by relentless Russian military strikes on its domestic production infrastructure. President Volodymyr Zelensky publicly confirmed Kyiv's interest on Monday following a meeting with Mozambique's President Daniel Chapo, highlighting a strategic pivot to secure alternative energy sources.
Russian Attacks Cripple Domestic Gas Output
Prior to Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukraine was nearly self-sufficient in gas, meeting almost all of its needs through domestic production. However, Central Bank Governor Andriy Pyshnyi reports that Russian attacks have led to a loss of approximately half of Ukraine's gas output. These assaults intensified last autumn, specifically targeting crucial gas facilities in frontline regions across northeast and central Ukraine, severely undermining the nation's energy security.
Speaking via the Telegram messaging app, President Zelensky indicated that Kyiv could offer support to Mozambique in countering its security challenges, particularly an ongoing Islamist insurgency, in exchange for energy supplies. He stated: "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." No specific volumes of gas or detailed terms of a potential agreement were disclosed at this stage.
Mozambique's Emergence as a Key Gas Supplier
Mozambique stands as a major African gas producer, with significant potential to bolster global energy markets. In January, the country and TotalEnergies announced the relaunch of a substantial LNG project that had previously been halted due to security concerns. This project, with an annual capacity to produce 13 million metric tons of LNG, is poised to transform Mozambique into a leading gas exporter, offering a viable solution for Ukraine's pressing energy needs.
Ukraine has not imported Russian gas since 2015, and in recent years, it has diversified its LNG sources by establishing supplies from the United States via terminals in Poland and the Baltic nations. Additionally, Ukraine imports US LNG through the so-called Vertical Corridor of pipelines from Greece, demonstrating a concerted effort to reduce dependency on Russian energy.
Preparations for the Upcoming Heating Season
European AGSI official energy data revealed last week that Ukraine has commenced storing gas in its underground facilities in anticipation of the next heating season. Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal has emphasized that Ukraine aims to start the 2026–2027 heating season with at least 13 billion cubic metres of gas in underground storage, maintaining a volume similar to the previous season to ensure stability amid ongoing conflicts.
Since the onset of the war with Russia, Ukraine has maintained discretion regarding the full details of its gas imports, likely for security reasons. This strategic move to engage Mozambique underscores Kyiv's proactive approach to mitigating energy vulnerabilities while fostering international partnerships in both the energy and security sectors.
