Mozambique Approves Changes to LNG Contracts with Anadarko, Eni

Mozambique's cabinet has approved changes to liquefied natural gas (LNG) contracts with U.S. oil major Anadarko and Italy's Eni to allow the two companies to sell the government's share of gas from projects in the Rovuma Basin.

"The government opted to relinquish its right to receive in kind its quota of available gas as well as the gas production tax. The aim is to turn the projects viable," government spokeswoman Ana Coana said late on Tuesday after the amendments were approved by cabinet.

"The concessionaires commit themselves to a joint-sale of liquefied natural gas in order to offer huge volumes and get better prices at the market."

The contracts relates to Anadarko's Dolphin Tuna project and Eni's South Coral project in areas 1 and 4 of the Rovuma basin. Eni is expected to make a final investment decision on its LNG project by the end of this year, while Anadarko's investment decision is expected next year.

Mozambique has some 85 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves -- enough to supply Germany, Britain, France and Italy for nearly two decades. It is likely to take at least five years after final investment decisions before gas production begins.