A new oil law in Mozambique aims to protect the state from costs associated with Force Majeure declarations by companies operating within the country. The legislation stems from a “bitter” experience with TotalEnergies, which invoked Force Majeure in 2021, halting operations on a major natural gas project in Cabo Delgado province. This invocation left the Mozambican government facing potential financial burdens. The new law intends to clarify responsibilities and financial liabilities in such situations, ensuring the state is not left to shoulder the costs of events outside its control. Details of the law outline how Force Majeure will be assessed and the financial implications for both companies and the government. It represents a significant step in Mozambique’s efforts to manage its natural resources and mitigate risks associated with large-scale energy projects in the Rovuma Basin. The law seeks to ensure a more equitable distribution of risk and reward in the country’s developing oil and gas sector.