TotalEnergies Starts Angola Gas Production to Supply LNG-Hungry Europe

Edgen Stock·Mar 17 2026, 08:50

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Key Takeaways

TotalEnergies has commenced production at a key Angolan gas field, delivering a new source of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Europe as the continent confronts severe price shocks and supply instability stemming from conflict in the Middle East.

On March 17, 2026, TotalEnergies and its partners began production at the Quiluma offshore gas field, Angola's first non-associated gas development.
The project will provide a stable supply of natural gas to the Angola LNG plant, which exports directly to the European market.
This new Angolan supply materializes as European energy prices have climbed over 20%, driven by disruptions in the Middle East, underscoring the strategic value of diversifying energy sources.

TotalEnergies Starts Production at Angola's First Non-Associated Gas Field

TotalEnergies announced the start of production from the Quiluma offshore gas field on March 17, 2026, marking a significant milestone for Angola's energy sector. The company holds an 11.8% interest in the project, which is operated by Azule Energy (37.4% interest) alongside partners Cabinda Gulf Oil Company (31%) and Sonangol E&P (19.8%). As the first non-associated gas field developed in the country, its output is dedicated to feeding the Angola LNG plant, creating a reliable new stream of liquefied natural gas destined for Europe.

New Supply Offers Europe Relief From Regional Turmoil

The Angolan gas arrives at a critical moment for European energy security. Recent conflict in the Middle East has paralyzed shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for one-fifth of global LNG trade, causing European natural gas futures to climb more than 20%. With oil prices pushing above $100 per barrel, the new supply from a stable, non-Gulf source provides a welcome, albeit modest, buffer against extreme price volatility and potential physical shortages. This development directly addresses Europe's long-standing vulnerability to geopolitical shocks in its primary energy supply corridors and reinforces the strategic imperative to diversify its import portfolio.