Senegal's gas production should ease its electricity prices, minister says

By Anait Miridzhanian

DAKAR, Sept 17 (Reuters) - Senegal plans to shift towards using more domestically produced natural gas to lower the cost of electricity generation, as it aims to cut its dependence on imported fuels whose prices have risen sharply this year, the West African country's energy minister told Reuters.

Expanding oil and gas production in recent years has helped boost Senegal's economic growth and increase exports. But soaring energy prices, stemming from conflict in the Middle East this year, have increased its fuel subsidy costs.

Energy Minister El Hadji Abdourahmane Diouf, ​in a written reply to questions, said Senegal's priority is to lower the actual cost of electricity by developing domestic natural gas, expanding renewable energy capacity and improving operational efficiency.

Senegal is open to working with new partners to help develop its resources, he said, adding companies such as BP BP.L, Kosmos KOS.N and Woodside WDS.AX are strategic partners that have played a decisive role in recent domestic gas discoveries, development and production.