South African petrochemical giant Sasol has reduced natural gas production at its Temane facility in Mozambique, effective immediately.
The decision, aimed at prioritizing employee safety and safeguarding assets, comes amid escalating unrest following Mozambique’s disputed presidential election.
South Africa, heavily reliant on gas imports from Mozambique, is expected to feel the effects through potential supply disruptions and price hikes.
The Rompco pipeline, which transports gas to Sasol’s Secunda complex and supplies Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, may face reduced flow.
“We have notified our customers of potential supply cuts to ensure the stability of infrastructure and the pipeline network,” said Sasol spokesperson Alex Anderson.
Mozambique has been plagued by violent protests since October’s contested election, with the ruling party’s recent confirmation sparking further unrest.
The violence has led to casualties, border closures, and heightened tensions, although the area around the Temane facility remains calm for now.
Sasol has reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring the situation closely, emphasizing the safety of employees and nearby communities.
This development underscores the fragility of cross-border energy dependencies and highlights the potential vulnerabilities of critical supply chains.
