ALGIERS, Mar 27 – Spain and Algeria are in discussions to increase natural gas shipments as demand shifts amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, Spain’s Foreign Minister, Jose Manuel Albares, said following meetings in Algiers.
Speaking after talks with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and government officials, Albares confirmed that both countries are exploring the possibility of raising gas volumes. He noted that discussions also considered current pressures in the global gas market, particularly in relation to the conflict in the Middle East.
Algeria remains a key energy supplier to Spain. Data from Spain’s gas grid operator Enagas shows that Algerian gas accounted for more than 29% of Spain’s total imports in the first two months of the year.
Supply is largely transported through the Medgaz pipeline, where Algeria’s state-owned energy firm Sonatrach holds a 51% stake, while Spanish energy company Naturgy is a minority partner. Naturgy is also tied to long-term supply agreements with Sonatrach, covering approximately 5 billion cubic metres of gas annually.
Meanwhile, Spain is not alone in seeking increased supply. Other European countries are also engaging Algeria to secure additional gas volumes. Italy has also made similar requests, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressing interest in boosting imports during a recent visit to Algiers.
The renewed push for Algerian gas highlights the country’s growing role in Europe’s energy mix as nations look to stabilise supply sources.
