Gas
African LNG expands as Asian buyers diversify supply routes
Supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have prompted Asian importers to pivot toward African liquefied natural gas projects.
Key points
- Closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupted roughly 20% of global liquefied natural gas trade.
- African production capacity is expanding through projects in Nigeria, Mozambique, Mauritania and Senegal.
- Commodity traders are connecting expanding African output directly to growing Asian demand markets.
What happened
Recent disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have affected approximately one-fifth of international liquefied natural gas supplies, according to Asia Times. Because a vast majority of the fuel passing through the strait normally heads to Asia, buyers in that region have experienced the most severe impact.
In response to these supply constraints, Asian importers are actively diversifying their procurement sources. African producers are stepping in to fill gaps, supported by growing extraction and liquefaction capacity across the continent. Rystad Energy estimates that Africa accounts for roughly 20 percent of global liquefied natural gas capacity, while S&P Global projects that output from the continent will nearly double before the end of the decade.
Several key facilities are driving this expansion. In Nigeria, the Train 7 project has reached over 90 percent completion, which will introduce an additional eight million tons annually. Meanwhile, Mozambique continues to develop its output, supported by ExxonMobil's Rovuma initiative and expansions by Total. Mauritania and Senegal initiated shipments from the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim development in April 2025, and smaller operations are advancing in Congo and Gabon.
Why it matters
The pivot toward African energy sources carries significant implications for international trade corridors and investors. While Brent spot prices stood at 126.55 US dollars per barrel on 14 October 2026, according to US Energy Information Administration figures, supply route flexibility remains a primary concern for energy security. East African shipments utilize Indian Ocean routes toward Asian destinations, whereas West African cargoes can pivot between European and Asian markets depending on prevailing prices.
At the same time, growing domestic consumption across African nations presents a challenge to export availability. Although continental production continues to rise, local demand growth threatens to absorb a notable share of the new output. For investors and policymakers in Nigeria and across Africa, balancing domestic energy needs with lucrative export opportunities will determine the long-term viability of this supply pivot.
Original reporting
This article draws on the following reports. Read them in full on the publishers’ sites.
Context from CEII
Gas is the flexible backbone of many grids and the designated transition fuel in many national plans, from LNG trade to domestic LPG and CNG. Supply security and pricing drive both power reliability and emissions.
21.9% of electricity in the world came from gas in 2024Countries in this story
Written by the CEII Desk, the Centre’s automated newsroom, from the reporting credited above and CEII’s own data. Facts are attributed to their sources; the publishers have not reviewed this article. Spotted an error? Tell our editors.
