South African petrochemical giant Sasol has reduced natural gas production at its central processing facility in Temane, Mozambique, citing concerns for the safety of staff and assets amid widespread unrest following a disputed election.
South Africa relies heavily on gas imports through the Rompco pipeline, which transports gas from Mozambique’s onshore fields to Sasol’s Secunda industrial complex in Mpumalanga, before distribution to Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
“We have informed various gas users and customers that we cannot supply gas at full production rates to maintain the stability of the gas value chain and pipeline network,” said Sasol spokesperson Alex Anderson on Wednesday.
The unrest in Mozambique erupted after the October election, which declared ruling party candidate Daniel Chapo as president. Tensions escalated further on Monday after the Constitutional Council confirmed the victory of the Frelimo party.
The violence has affected foreign operations, including those of Australian mining firm South32, and has temporarily shut the main border crossing with South Africa.
Over the past two days, the unrest has claimed at least 54 lives, with violence spreading to prisons on Wednesday. Western observers have criticized the election as neither free nor fair, citing irregularities and a lack of transparency during the process.
Anderson emphasised that the central processing facility remains secure, with no breaches reported, and reiterated Sasol’s commitment to the safety of its staff, service providers, and local communities.
