Algeria’s LNG Exports Hit Seven-Month High in May, Driven by Production Recovery and Shifting Global Supply Dynamics
BY Dr. Hana Saada
ALGIERS — Algeria’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports surged sharply in May 2026, reaching their highest level in seven months following earlier declines at the start of the year, according to data from the Energy Research Unit based in Washington.
Exports rose by 48.5% month-on-month to 1.04 million tonnes in May, compared with 700,000 tonnes in April, marking the strongest monthly performance since October 2025, when volumes reached 1.09 million tonnes.
The rebound comes amid disruptions in global gas supply chains, particularly affecting Qatari and Emirati exports transiting through the Strait of Hormuz. Algeria, benefiting from significant production capacity and its geographically insulated position away from Middle Eastern conflict zones, has strengthened its footprint in international gas markets.
On a year-on-year basis, Algerian LNG exports increased by 8.3%, up from 960,000 tonnes in May 2025. However, cumulative exports for the first five months of 2026 remain slightly lower at 3.78 million tonnes, compared with 3.97 million tonnes over the same period in 2025.
The recovery follows a sharp contraction in January 2026, when exports fell to 440,000 tonnes — their second-lowest level on record — due to scheduled maintenance operations across production facilities.
The improvement has also been supported by rising domestic gas output, which increased by 4.1% year-on-year to 29 billion cubic metres in the first quarter of 2026. In March alone, production reached 9.66 billion cubic metres, up 4%.
Europe remains key destination amid shifting demand patterns
Despite a decline in imports, France remained the largest buyer of Algerian LNG in May, ahead of Türkiye for the third consecutive month. French imports fell 9.3% year-on-year to 234,000 tonnes.
Türkiye also reduced purchases, down 5.6% to 203,000 tonnes, while Spain re-emerged as a significant buyer after a prolonged interruption of imports since November 2025, except for a single cargo in March 2026. Spanish imports reached 200,000 tonnes in May, compared with 68,000 tonnes a year earlier.
Italy recorded an 11% decline to 192,000 tonnes, while Croatia ranked fifth with 76,000 tonnes. Outside the top five, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom imported 68,000 tonnes and 61,000 tonnes respectively.
Strengthened strategic positioning in global gas markets
Over recent years, Algeria has consolidated its position as a key global supplier of natural gas, both in gaseous and liquefied form, particularly to European markets.
This strategic role has been reinforced by geopolitical tensions and uncertainties affecting alternative supply routes, prompting several importing countries to seek greater volumes from Algeria to secure energy needs.
Reports from international media indicate renewed European interest in expanding Algerian gas supplies, with Italy among the countries seeking increased volumes. Other partners, including Vietnam, have also expressed interest in deepening energy cooperation with Algiers, underscoring Algeria’s growing role as a stable and strategic energy supplier in global markets.
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