Sonatrach delivers first direct LNG cargo to Germany, expanding European market presence
via Algérie3603 min read
On July 2, 2026, the Tessala LNG tanker arrived at the Wilhelmshaven 1 floating regasification terminal in Germany, carrying a liquefied natural gas LNG cargo from Sonatrach. This marks the first direct delivery of LNG by the Algerian energy group to the German market, signifying a new phase in its export strategy and European gas supply. The cargo, loaded at the GL2Z liquefaction complex in Bethioua, Algeria, reflects Sonatrach's deliberate effort to diversify its client base beyond traditional markets like France, Spain, and Italy. Germany, as Europe's largest economy, imports approximately a quarter of the continent's pipeline gas. While Algerian gas previously reached Germany via the interconnected European network, this direct LNG delivery demonstrates Sonatrach's commercial flexibility. The Algerian group aims to sustain and develop its exports to Germany, indicating a long-term presence rather than a one-off transaction. This LNG delivery builds on existing energy ties between Algeria and Germany; since late 2024, Algerian gas has officially supplied the German market through the Transmed pipeline. VNG, Germany's primary gas distributor, considers Sonatrach a key supplier alongside Norway. Ulf Heitmüller, CEO of VNG, stated that the company diversifies its gas sources, primarily from Norway and Algeria, and LNG from countries like the United States. This positions Algeria as a significant energy provider for Europe. Sonatrach's entry into the German market is part of a
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Algérie360.
Must ReadAlgeria has emerged as the second-largest global importer of Ukrainian wheat during the 2025/26 cereal campaign, which concluded on June 30. The country imported 2.78 million tons of Ukrainian wheat for human and animal consumption, according to figures from the Ukrainian Grain Association UGA reported by Delo.ua. Egypt ranked first with 3.86 million tons, while Indonesia was third with 2.07 million tons. This places Algeria ahead of countries like Spain, Vietnam, Tunisia, and Lebanon, even as Ukraine's overall wheat exports declined by 12% year-on-year. Algeria's consistent purchasing strategy, involving almost monthly tenders by the Algerian Interprofessional Office of Cereals OAIC from suppliers including Ukraine, Canada, and Europe, is driven by high domestic consumption. Algerians consume approximately 110 kilograms of bread per capita annually, making it the second-highest consumer globally after Turkey. Public subsidies keep bread prices low, making soft wheat imports a significant part of the country's import bill. While Algeria aims to increase domestic production of durum wheat, which is better suited to its climate and used for couscous and pasta, soft wheat production faces challenges due to drought, necessitating continued reliance on imports. In parallel with international purchases, Algeria is investing in agricultural projects, expanding irrigated areas in the South, engaging private investors in intensive cereal farming, and developing strategic storage capac
Bruno Retailleau, a candidate for the 2027 French presidential elections, has outlined new proposals aimed at restricting migratory flows into France. Key measures include a "drastic" reduction in family reunification and ending automatic aid for foreigners. Retailleau, leader of Les Républicains LR, supports abolishing birthright citizenship for French nationality, arguing that the "assimilation" expected in return for nationality for those born on French territory "no longer works." He also plans to drastically reduce family reunification and end automatic aid for foreigners, requiring five years of legal presence and work before eligibility. If elected, he promises France will join a "coalition of states" advocating for strict immigration policies, similar to Italy. Retailleau intends to challenge European rules to strictly limit the validity of territorialized visas to the issuing country. He also stated that "the future of Africa is not in Europe, but on the African continent," and that "climate change does not serve as a pretext for a change of civilization." Retailleau aims to "convince" the French public of his firm stance on immigration, dismissing competition with other political figures like Marine Le Pen or Jordan Bardella.
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune is scheduled for an official state visit to Berlin on July 16, 2026, as confirmed by the German presidency. He will be received with military honors and hold discussions with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. This visit, initially announced in May by Germany's ambassador to Algeria, Georg Felsheim, underscores the strategic importance both nations place on their bilateral relationship. The agenda is expected to focus heavily on economic cooperation, particularly in energy, with Algerian gas and green hydrogen being key topics. Sonatrach has already established itself as a significant supplier to major German operators. Beyond energy, industrial collaboration is anticipated, with German companies exploring opportunities in Algeria's automotive sector to increase local integration and establish joint ventures. Discussions will also cover scientific research, support for startups, and investments in renewable energies. French media are closely following the visit, with hopes that President Tebboune might grant a presidential pardon to French journalist Christophe Gleizes, who was sentenced to seven years in prison in Algeria for "apology of terrorism." The director-general of Reporters Without Borders, Thibaut Bruttin, confirmed ongoing contacts with German and Spanish authorities regarding Gleizes' situation.