Mozambique is considering turning to the Russian market to buy fuel to feed its internal needs. The situation is considered dangerous by some analysts, who recall the country's commitment to the United Nations and Western partners.

The possibility arises around an offer that the Moscow authorities have already made to Maputo, assuring prices below what the international market offers, and the government is pondering the matter.

"We will check and evaluate the feasibility of this offer and if there is feasibility, we will certainly consider it" said Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Carlos Zacarias, speaking to the press on the matter.

Aware of the sanctions imposed on Russian fuels, Carlos Zacarias, quoted by VOA, was cautious and said he believed that there is an approximation of positions in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, which may open space for there to be weighting around the issue.

The use of the ruble for commercial exchanges and the Russian market for the purchase of fuel already has the endorsement of the private sector, which in a meeting with Alexander Surikov, Kremlin's high representative in Maputo, made clear its position of considering the Russian market as an option to alleviate the bill.

Complicated equation

Some sectors of opinion foresee clashes with the West, especially at this stage when it is back to funding the country's public accounts.

Gil Aníbal, analyst and specialist in oil issues, looks at the situation as a complicated equation for the country.

"In diplomatic terms, Mozambique is in a complicated position. On the one hand, because of its relationship with the European Union and the United States of America, and, on the other hand, because of its position as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council" said the analyst.

"Even if there are advantages in financial terms, Mozambique must be aligned with the position of the United Nations, so at this point, moving towards the Russian offer could be seen as a violation and, on the other hand, entering a now-sanctioned market would be like acting on the black market," he stressed.

US highlights action in Ukraine

VOA's report in Maputo sought to hear the comment of the US diplomacy in Maputo around the issue.

Through a note signed by its embassy spokesman, Washington highlights Russian action in Ukraine as detrimental to world peace and security.

"Putin's war of aggression and the blockade of Ukraine's ports have already exacerbated global shortages of food, fuel and other essentials. This war has caused prices to skyrocket, triggered growing food insecurity, and undermined development gains in Africa and around the world" indicates the note.

"Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine flagrantly violates international law and undermines world order, peace and security. The atrocities committed by Russian forces against the civilian population of Ukraine demonstrate Russia's flagrant disregard for global norms and values" concludes the US embassy in its commentary.