The Algerian Minister of Energy, Mohamed Arkab, announced ambitious plans to raise the country's natural gas production to 200 billion cubic meters in the medium term.

Arkab explained that Sonatrach, the national oil and gas company, has developed huge potential for these discoveries, and that the most important of them are located in the vicinity of Béchar, south of Ain Salah, north of Djanet, south of Illizi, and east of Ouargla.

Arkab stressed that the new hydrocarbons law, which has been in effect since 2020, has proven effective in attracting major international companies such as Norwegian Equinor, Italian Eni, and American Occidental Petroleum, which have concluded large and important contracts with Sonatrach to develop, exploit and produce hydrocarbons.

These ambitious plans to increase natural gas production are an important step towards achieving Algeria's energy goals. It contributes to enhancing the country's energy security, strengthens its position as a major player in the global energy market, and contributes to diversifying the national economy and achieving sustainable development.

This increase represents a qualitative leap compared to 2023’s production, which amounted to 137 billion cubic metres, and reflects Algeria’s commitment to strengthening its position as a major player in the global energy market.

This expected increase is due to eight new gas discoveries made this year, which will contribute significantly to supporting national production and enhancing the country’s reserves of hydrocarbons, especially natural gas, which is a basic pillar of the national economy.

Algeria enjoys great confidence from its international partners. This is thanks to its reliable record in the field of exporting natural gas and petroleum.

Algeria exports large quantities of these two commodities to the European and Asian markets, through long-term contracts that ensure stable supplies.