Autogás, the Mozambican company specializing in the sale and distribution of Vehicular Natural Gas (CNG), has announced an investment of 4 million dollars to build four new filling stations by 2026. The expansion includes the construction of the Chicumbane station in Gaza province, which is already underway, marking the company’s entry into new regions outside the capital.
The announcement was made by the CEO of Autogás, João das Neves, during the Autogás 2025 Seminar, held under the slogan “Bringing Stakeholders Closer Together to Massify the Use of Natural Gas”. The event brought together around 100 participants, including representatives from the energy sector, the government and investors, to discuss the challenges and opportunities of the CNG market in Mozambique.
Network expansion and new filling stations
The company revealed that part of the investments are being financed by a fund from SASOL and the National Investment Bank (BNI), making it possible to build filling stations in the towns of Xai-Xai, Maxixe and Pambara. In addition, two new stations will be built in Maputo City and Province with Autogás’ own funding.
Mozambique currently has seven CNG refueling stations, but the company’s goal is to have twenty in Maputo, Gaza and Inhambane provinces by 2035.
Challenges and need for incentives
Despite the potential for growth, the mass use of CNG faces challenges. João das Neves highlighted the lack of tax and customs incentives for importing natural gas-powered vehicles, as well as the absence of legislation to promote the use of CNG-powered public and semi-private transport.
Another critical point is the de-dollarization of the gas purchase price, as well as the need to regulate compressed gas transport tariffs and incentives for new operators to enter the market.
CNG as an economic and sustainable alternative
During the event, Moisés Paulino, National Director of Hydrocarbons and Fuels, said that the expansion of CNG is part of the government’s strategy to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, stimulate economic growth and ensure environmental sustainability.
Octávio Muthemba, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Autogás, stressed that CNG represents a viable alternative for mitigating the impacts of the energy crisis, reducing companies’ operating costs, creating jobs and bringing the country into line with the global energy transition.
Currently, it is estimated that around 4,000 vehicles in Mozambique use CNG, including light and heavy vehicles. The sector intends to increase this number to 14,000 over the next few years, in line with the growth of the supply network and the conversion of fleets.
Autogás reaffirmed its commitment to continue investing in the expansion of the supply network and the widespread use of CNG in the country, consolidating a more sustainable and accessible energy model for Mozambicans.
