Gas
Russia targets African energy markets as European exports decline
Russian energy officials are pursuing new gas and infrastructure markets in Africa following significant export losses in Europe.
Key points
- Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev announced plans to offer gas supplies and infrastructure services to African nations.
- Gazprom faces steep export declines following the loss of European customers after 2022.
- Negotiations for increased gas supplies to China have stalled due to pricing disagreements.
What happened
Russia is actively seeking new energy markets in Africa to compensate for major export losses in Europe, according to reporting by The Moscow Times cited by UNITED24 Media. Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev stated that Moscow is prepared to supply gas to African countries alongside infrastructure services, including exploration, extraction, and power station construction.
According to estimates from Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development, Russian gas exports are projected to reach approximately 77 billion cubic meters in 2026, falling significantly from 185 billion cubic meters in 2021. Projections indicate further declines to 72 billion cubic meters by 2028 following the implementation of the European Union gas embargo.
Why it matters
Gazprom has struggled to replace the European customer base it lost following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Efforts to redirect large volumes of gas to China have also faced hurdles. Negotiations regarding the proposed Power of Siberia 2 pipeline, referred to by Russian leadership as Power of Baikal, are currently suspended.
Discussions have stalled over pricing disagreements. Beijing has sought lower pricing closer to domestic Russian rates, while Moscow aims for figures closer to the rates secured under existing supply agreements.
What comes next
As Russian export volumes return to levels last observed in the 1980s, Moscow continues to position itself as a long-term energy partner in alternative regions. Alongside gas supply proposals, Russian officials have offered to modernize hydroelectric plants, build solar and thermal facilities, and supply electrical grids and substations.
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.
45.3% of electricity in Russia 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.
