South African petrochemical giant Sasol has announced a reduction in natural gas production at its Temane processing facility in Mozambique.
This decision, effective immediately, aims to prioritize the safety of its employees and safeguard its assets amidst escalating post-election unrest in the country.
The move has significant implications for South Africa, which relies heavily on gas imports from Mozambique through the Rompco pipeline.
This pipeline connects onshore gas fields to Sasol’s Secunda complex, supplying gas to consumers in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
“We have notified our customers of a potential reduction in gas supply to ensure the stability of our infrastructure and pipeline network,” stated Sasol spokesperson Alex Anderson.
Mozambique has been grappling with widespread unrest following a disputed presidential election in October.
The recent confirmation of the ruling party’s victory by the Constitutional Council has further intensified the situation. Violent protests erupted, leading to numerous casualties and the temporary closure of the main border crossing with South Africa.
While the situation around the Temane facility remains calm, Sasol has emphasized the paramount importance of employee and community safety.
The company is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to assess its operations accordingly.
This production cut is expected to have a considerable impact on South Africa’s energy sector, potentially leading to supply disruptions and price increases for gas-dependent industries.