Algeria exported 1.04 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in May 2026, a 48% jump compared to 700,000 tonnes in the same month last year. The North African country is rapidly increasing deliveries to European buyers, capitalizing on supply disruptions caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the war in the Middle East.
According to data cited by the Algerian portal Algerie360, France remained the largest buyer in May, importing 234,000 tonnes (down 9.3% year-on-year), followed by Turkey with 203,000 tonnes (down 5.6%) and Spain with 200,000 tonnes. Notably, Spain received no Algerian LNG shipments in all of 2025 due to political tensions, but relations have thawed after Madrid denied US military aircraft access to its bases for flights to the Middle East.
Other European importers in May included Italy, the United Kingdom, Croatia, and the Netherlands, which received its first cargo from Algeria in two years. The surge in volumes comes as Algeria’s total gas production in 2025 reached slightly over 100 billion cubic metres (bcm), half of which was consumed domestically. LNG exports totalled 9.54 million tonnes (about 12.8 bcm), while pipeline deliveries via subsea pipelines accounted for another 50 bcm, with 39.5 bcm sent to the European Union.
Strategic opportunity amid global crisis
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has halted LNG shipments from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, creating a severe shortage on the global market. Algeria, which has remained relatively stable and maintains significant production capacity, is stepping in to fill the gap. – Algeria is committed to becoming a reliable partner for Europe, and we are investing heavily to increase our production capacity – said Mohamed Arkab, Algeria’s Minister of Energy. He emphasised that the country aims to double its gas output to 200 bcm per year by the end of the decade.
To achieve this, Algeria plans to allocate hundreds of billions of dollars to develop new gas fields and expand liquefaction infrastructure. The strategy includes partnerships with international oil and gas companies, which will bring technology and investment. The government expects that new liquefaction plants will enable the country to not only serve existing customers but also secure long-term contracts with European utilities seeking alternatives to Russian gas.
Competition and challenges ahead
While Algeria’s ambitions are clear, the country faces several hurdles. Domestic gas consumption is rising, and the existing pipeline network to Europe is aging. Moreover, other LNG exporters such as the United States, Qatar (once the Strait reopens), and Russia are also vying for the European market. Nonetheless, Algeria’s geographical proximity to southern Europe gives it a logistical advantage, particularly for Spain, France, and Italy, which can receive gas via both pipelines and tankers.
For now, the Algerian strategy appears to be paying off. The May export figures show a clear uptick, and the government is confident that new contracts will follow. – We are not just increasing volumes; we are building a long-term partnership with Europe – Arkab added. The coming months will reveal whether Algeria can maintain this momentum and transform its ambitious plans into tangible results.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. Shutterstock
