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ARTICLE · 21 JULY 2026

Mozambique Enacts Revised Petroleum Law

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Mozambique has enacted a comprehensive revision of its Petroleum Law through Law No. 8/2026, fundamentally restructuring the country's oil and gas regulatory framework with expanded state participation, new contractual regimes, and strengthened environmental and community protections. The new statute introduces significant changes including increased minimum state participation through ENH to 15%, mandatory associations between foreign and local service providers, and enhanced domestic market supply obligat

MozambiqueEnergy and Natural Resources

On 3 June 2026, Mozambique published Law No. 8/2026, which constitutes a revision of the Petroleum Law (Lei dos Petróleos). The new statute revokes the former Petroleum Law (Law No. 21/2014) and related regulations will be issued within 90 days.

Below are the main changes introduced by the new statute:

A. Guiding Principles

The revised Petroleum Law places greater emphasis on certain guiding principles, including: State control, participation and sovereignty; public interest; energy security; transparency; environmental and community sustainability; and incentives for greater national participation and industrialization in the value chain.

B. Broader Scope

The scope has been expanded to cover activities related to oil and gas operations, such as carbon capture, storage and utilization (CCSU), emissions control, and unconventional hydrocarbons, as well as regasification activities.

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This Mayer Brown article provides information and comments on legal issues and developments of interest. The foregoing is not a comprehensive treatment of the subject matter covered and is not intended to provide legal advice. Readers should seek specific legal advice before taking any action with respect to the matters discussed herein.

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