Algeria's LNG exports to Europe reach a seven-month high
via Algérie3602 min read
Algerian liquefied natural gas LNG exports saw a significant increase in May 2026, reaching 1.04 million tonnes. This represents a 48.5% rise compared to April, marking the highest volume in seven months. This performance follows a period of lower exports at the beginning of the year. According to data from Attaqa, this monthly volume is the highest since October 2025, when exports peaked at 1.09 million tonnes. This surge occurs amidst global energy market shifts, with geopolitical tensions in the Middle East disrupting Qatari and Emirati LNG transit via the Strait of Hormuz. Algeria has leveraged its strategic geographical position and production capabilities, located outside turbulent zones, to become a reliable alternative. Year-on-year, May 2026 exports show an 8.3% increase compared to the same month last year 0.96 million tonnes. However, the cumulative total for the first five months of 2026 is slightly down by 5%, at 3.78 million tonnes, compared to 3.97 million tonnes during the same period in 2025. This overall decrease is offset by a 4.1% increase in natural gas production in the first quarter of 2026, reaching 29 billion cubic meters. France remains the top importer of Algerian LNG for the third consecutive month, receiving 234,000 tonnes, despite a 9.3% year-on-year decline. Turkey follows closely with 203,000 tonnes, a 5.6% decrease from May 2025. A notable development in May is Spain's strong return as a major buyer. After a near-total halt in imports since No
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Algeria's Civil Protection reported 69 new wildfires as of Sunday at 1:00 PM, with 26 remaining active across 13 wilayas. Skikda is the most impacted, with nine ongoing fires. Béjaïa and Guelma each have three active fires, while Mila has two. Annaba, Souk Ahras, Tizi Ouzou, Bordj Bou Arreridj, El Tarf, Jijel, Sétif, Tiaret, and Relizane each report one active fire. In Annaba, fires are advancing in Séraïdi, threatening a village, with three AT-802 water bomber aircraft supporting firefighters. Béjaïa sees fires in Toudja and Aokas, where multiple villages are at risk, also requiring water bomber intervention. Skikda's firefighters are battling blazes in Aïn Kechra and Chéraïa, with three AT-802 planes deployed to protect homes. Ground operations continue in Sidi Mezghiche, Zitouna, and Aïn Cherchar. Guelma's Medjez Amar fire threatens homes, prompting Oum El Bouaghi wilaya to send nine reinforcement vehicles. In Souk Ahras, a fire in Aïn Zana is spreading along the Tunisian border, with a BE-200 Canadair assisting. Tizi Ouzou's Amsouhal fire continues to affect Ighil Aklimane village. High temperatures and dry vegetation are contributing to the spread of fires, complicating containment efforts. The Civil Protection urges vigilance and prompt reporting of any fire outbreaks. Separately, the Civil Protection also reported a tragic incident in Tamanrasset where a concrete wall collapse inside a house in Hai Essalam killed two children, aged 1 and 6. A 40-year-old woman sustaine
Ségolène Royal, president of the Franco-Algerian Friendship Association and a French political figure, has strongly criticized France's foreign policy towards Algeria. In a post on X, the former minister described Paris's approach as "catastrophic diplomacy," stating that France is progressively losing its economic and strategic positions to other European powers. Royal highlighted the dynamic economic relations between Algeria and several European capitals, citing major contracts in energy and public works with Italy, and the signing of around thirty agreements during an Algerian visit to Germany, covering strategic areas like green hydrogen and the automotive industry. She also mentioned the anticipated visit of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to Algiers for new bilateral projects. According to Royal, France is being "replaced" on the continent, having lost influence in the Sahel and Francophone Africa, and now seeing its businesses decline in Algeria. She noted a clear weakening of industrial, agricultural, construction, and port management partnerships for French entities, while competing European companies expand their activities. Royal deplored that internal political controversies in France regarding Algeria obscure "strategic realities." She called for overcoming these divisions to rebuild a balanced relationship with countries on the southern shore of the Mediterranean, advocating for diplomacy based on mutual respect and shared interests. Looking ahead to the 2
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