BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- Algeria has emerged as the top supplier of natural gas to Spain in 2023, covering 29.2% of the country’s total demand in this sector. This ranking was primarily driven by a significant increase in Algerian LNG (liquefied natural gas) exports compared to 2022. Recent data published by Spanish gas supplier Enagas in January indicates that Algeria supplied a total of 116,282 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of natural gas and LNG to Spain from January to December 2023.
Algeria provided Spain with 94,872 GWh of natural gas and 21,410 GWh of LNG in 2023, securing the top spot, surpassing the United States in second place with 83,898 GWh of LNG and Russia in third place with 72,692 GWh of LNG supplied to Spain last year. Despite a decrease in Algeria’s natural gas exports the previous year compared to 2022, the country managed to maintain its position as Spain’s top supplier due to a substantial increase in LNG exports.
In 2022, Algerian LNG exports to Spain reached only 5,447 GWh, significantly lower than the figures from the United States, which supplied 128,749 GWh of LNG to the European country during the same period. Despite these very low quantities of LNG, Algeria remained Spain’s top gas supplier in 2022, covering 23.8% of Spanish gas demand through the sale of 100,952 GWh of natural gas.
The diplomatic crisis between Algeria and Spain in 2022, stemming from the Spanish government’s policy shift on the Western Sahara issue, disrupted economic exchanges between the two countries, particularly regarding LNG. Despite gas supply contracts via the Medgaz pipeline connecting Algeria and Spain, the diplomatic crisis eventually impacted gas sales. Spanish data indicates a decline in natural gas deliveries from Algeria to Spain in 2022, while LNG deliveries completely ceased in July and December 2022.
A Turnaround in the Situation
The export figures for 2023 signify a return to normalcy in exchanges between Algeria and Spain, primarily based on longstanding contracts signed over 20 years ago and valid until 2032. These agreements involve firm commitments with an annual volume of approximately 5 billion cubic meters, including “take or pay” clauses and a price review every three years.
Negotiations are set to resume this year to set prices for the years 2023-2024, after Spain, through Naturgy’s CEO, expressed the desire to restart negotiations in October 2023 with the new CEO of Sonatrach.
It is essential to emphasize that despite disruptions, the partnership between the two countries represented by the Spanish company Naturgy and the national company Sonatrach, within the framework of long-term contracts for the sale and purchase of natural gas, demonstrates Algeria’s role in securing gas supplies to Spain and Europe as a reliable and trustworthy supplier.
Dzair Tube Media Group
Dzair Tube has firmly established itself as a prominent player among Algerian digital news sites, offering a diverse and enriching content experience. The platform, available in Arabic, French, and English editions, captures the attention of a wide-ranging audience, amassing over half a million daily clicks.
A testament to its commitment to excellence, Dzair Tube received the prestigious President of the Republic’s Award for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on October 22, 2022. This recognition underscores the platform’s unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards of journalism.
With a significant online presence, Dzair Tube boasts 350,000 subscribers on YouTube, over five million followers on various Facebook pages, and 450,000 subscribers on Instagram. Its digital channel has become a hub for diverse programming, covering news, sports, entertainment, culture, and religion, catering to a broad spectrum of audience preferences.
Equipped with state-of-the-art studios and advanced technology, Dzair Tube’s digital channel has garnered substantial viewership for its varied programs. Hosting interactive discussions with influential figures across different domains, the platform actively fosters public discourse and engagement. Beyond news coverage, Dzair Tube extends its commitment to the production of marketing documentaries, short TV commercials, and high-viewership programs.
The success of the print edition of Dzair Tube’s sports newspaper, “Dzair Sport,” further highlights the platform’s impact, with over 50,000 daily downloads from the official Dzair Tube website.
Recently honored with the Media Leadership Award from the Minister of Communication, Mohamed Laâgab, Dzair Tube continues to shape the landscape of Algerian digital news, maintaining a position of influence and impact in the media industry.
