🇩🇿AlgeriaNorth Africa
France remains top importer of Algerian crude oil in first half of 2026
via Algérie3603 min read
France maintained its position as the leading importer of Algerian crude oil transported by sea in the first half of 2026, with an average of 62,000 barrels per day, accounting for nearly 16% of Algeria's maritime crude exports. Spain followed with 56,000 barrels per day, and South Korea ranked third with 46,000 barrels daily. The United Kingdom imported 45,000 barrels per day, and the Netherlands 38,000 barrels daily. These five countries collectively received almost 64% of Algeria's crude oil exports. Algeria's crude oil exports averaged 388,000 barrels per day during the first six months of the year, despite national production increasing to 977,000 barrels daily. In June, production peaked at 987,000 barrels per day, its highest level in three years, due to eased voluntary production cuts under the OPEC+ alliance. However, export volumes were lower than in previous years, with 416,000 barrels per day in the first half of 2024 and 447,000 barrels daily in the same period of 2025. This trend is attributed to Algeria's strategy of developing local refining to export more processed petroleum products, which generate higher added value. While France's purchases decreased from 76,000 to 62,000 barrels per day, and Spain's fell from 88,000 to 56,000 barrels daily, South Korea saw a 31.4% increase in imports, from 35,000 to 46,000 barrels per day. The Netherlands experienced the largest increase among Algeria's main clients, with purchases rising from 14,000 to 38,000 barrels dai
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Must ReadAn electrical spark from an air conditioner is believed to be the cause of a fire at the Mohammadia assisted children's establishment in Algiers on July 16, 2026, which resulted in 11 deaths, including 10 children and a 52-year-old educator. The General Directorate of National Security DGSN stated that specialized teams opened an investigation immediately after the incident. Initial findings from scientific police experts and crime scene technicians indicate the fire originated from an electrical spark in an air conditioner located in a first-floor room. The National Security clarified that the spark was linked to the continuous operation of the appliance amid high temperatures. The investigation remains open to determine all circumstances and establish any responsibilities. Following the fire, the Ministry of National Solidarity, Family and Women's Affairs, led by Minister Soraya Mouloudji, held an emergency meeting. Measures include monitoring the care of the injured, relocating children to alternative facilities, establishing a national risk monitoring and management unit, harmonizing safety standards in sector establishments, and strengthening staff training in prevention and emergency response in coordination with Civil Protection. A centralized digital mechanism will also be implemented to track safety measure application. The minister praised the efforts of the establishment's staff and on-duty team for protecting children during the fire.
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The Algerian Football Federation has confirmed that Vladimir Petkovic will remain as the national team coach until his contract ends in July 2028. A technical commission, led by former national coach Rabah Saâdane, evaluated Petkovic's performance and concluded that he not only met but exceeded the objectives of his initial contract, according to El-Khabar. These objectives included reaching the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals and advancing past the first round of the World Cup. The commission noted that the team progressed to the second round of the 2026 World Cup and delivered strong performances in preparation matches against Guatemala, Uruguay, and the Netherlands. Despite this, a significant reshuffle of the coaching staff is underway. The commission recommended the dismissal of Swiss assistant Davide Morandi and Algerian coach Nabil Neghiz. Morandi's contract had been extended alongside Petkovic's, but his public statements about the Swiss national team, made without FAF authorization, violated his contract and led to disciplinary proceedings. Goalkeeping coaches Guido Nanni and Nasser-Eddine Berrama, along with physical trainer Paolo Rongoni, will retain their positions. Anthar Yahia, former captain of the national team, has been appointed as the first assistant coach, while Karim Matmour and Rafik Saïfi are candidates for the second assistant role. Petkovic, currently on vacation, is expected to return to Algeria in early August, when the FAF will officially infor