Algerian crude oil surpasses $100 as Arab oil prices surge amid Middle East tensions
via Algérie3602 min read
Arab crude oil prices saw a significant increase in March, driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East. The conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran propelled oil and gas prices to new highs, providing unexpected financial gains for exporting countries in the region. According to data from the specialized platform Attaqa, the average price of the OPEC basket rose by 71% in March, reaching $116.36 per barrel, up from $67.90 the previous month. This upward trend benefited all oil benchmarks, including Algerian crude. The Algerian Sahara Blend continued its upward trajectory with a 41.6% increase in March, reaching $104.24 per barrel, compared to approximately $73.59 in February. This indicates a clear improvement in the country's oil revenues, supported by the international situation. The OPEC report, published this Monday, revealed that Kuwaiti crude led the percentage increases, jumping 86.5% to $124.25 per barrel from $66.61 in February. Saudi Arabia's Arab Light ranked second, climbing over 77% to $121.29 per barrel in March, after hovering around $68.4 in February 2026. Other major producers also showed double-digit growth: Iraq's Basrah Medium increased by 76% to $117.62; the UAE's Murban rose by 59.6% to $110.86; and Libya's Es Sider crude saw a 46% increase, closing at $103.69. This widespread surge highlights the sensitivity of global energy markets to political instability in the Middle East.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Algérie360.
Algeria's Sahara Blend crude oil saw the largest value increase among Arab crudes in the first half of 2026. Its price rose by $23.91 per barrel, reaching an average of $96.04, marking a more than 33% growth compared to the same period in 2025. This surge is part of a general upward trend for Arab oils, with the OPEC basket's average price increasing by 30% to $93.67 per barrel from $72.04 a year prior. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, including the Iranian war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, contributed to this price hike by raising concerns about supply disruptions. The Sahara Blend remains one of the most valued crudes in the region, closely trailing Saudi Light, which was the most expensive at an average of $96.88 per barrel. Other regional crudes also showed strong performance: Kuwait Export increased by 30.42% to $95.13 per barrel, and Iraqi Basrah Medium rose by 31.07% to $93.57. Libyan Es Sider recorded the second-highest value increase of $23.8, with the highest relative growth in the region at 33.7%, reaching $94.47 per barrel. In contrast, Emirati Murban had the most moderate increase of 23.81%, settling at $89.06 per barrel. Despite this strong half-year, June 2026 saw a general decline in prices. Algerian Sahara Blend fell to $87.27 per barrel in June. Saudi Light remained the most expensive Arab crude in June at $96.89 per barrel, followed by Kuwait Export at $92.28, Libyan Es Sider at $86.47, Iraqi Basrah Medium at $85.1, and Emirati Murban at
Must ReadAlgeria's Ministry of National Defense announced the dismantling of a criminal cell affiliated with the separatist MAK movement, classified as a terrorist organization by Algerian authorities. The operation, conducted by army security services in Tizi Ouzou, resulted in six arrests, including four Moroccan nationals who were illegally present in Algeria. According to the Ministry, the group was active during the legislative elections, aiming to disrupt the process and prevent citizen participation. The operation was based on intelligence work, which allowed for the prior identification of all network members before their simultaneous arrest. The Ministry highlighted this as an example of security forces' ability to counter criminal plans and destabilizing threats. The presence of Moroccan nationals in the cell was noted, though no further details were provided on their entry into the territory or specific roles. This operation is part of a broader effort by the Algerian National People's Army against subversive and criminal networks, with numerous arrests and operations reported throughout the year against terrorist support elements and cross-border criminal organizations.
Zainab Ghebbache, a student with dual Algerian and Italian nationality, achieved a perfect score of 100/100 with "e Lode" with honors on the Italian Baccalaureate, known as the Esame di Maturità, in Belluno, Veneto. She was one of only six students at Renier High School to reach this academic distinction this year. Despite her literary background and passion for poetry, Ghebbache plans to pursue aerospace engineering at the University of Padua, aiming to establish herself as a woman in a scientific field. She also intends to earn a university degree in literature within the next two decades to continue her writing. Her achievement has been celebrated by the Algerian community in Italy, with the Federation of Algerian Students and Executives in Italy, through its founding president Houari Chelakh, congratulating her and her family. The federation expressed hope that Ghebbache will serve as a role model for future generations and a "worthy ambassador of Algeria" abroad.