Turkey becomes Algeria's top LNG client, displacing France, as exports decline in Q1 2026
via Algérie3603 min read
Algeria's liquefied natural gas LNG market experienced a decline in export volumes and a redistribution of commercial flows in the first quarter of 2026. Exports decreased by 8.5% compared to the same period in 2025, reaching 2.04 million tons, the lowest quarterly level since 2013. This represents a cumulative drop of 31.5% over two years. Despite a moderate start, monthly dynamics showed a recovery, with March 2026 recording 940,000 tons, a nearly 40% increase from February, driven by increased demand for closer and more secure supplies amid European geopolitical caution. Turkey emerged as the primary client for Algerian LNG, importing 1.02 million tons, or almost 50% of exports, between January and March 2026. France, which imported 610,000 tons, fell to second place, though French demand rebounded significantly in March. The United Kingdom saw a notable increase in imports, rising from 60,000 tons in Q1 2025 to 140,000 tons in 2026. Other European markets, including Italy, Spain, and Croatia, also showed signs of diversification, with Spain returning with a single cargo of approximately 73,000 to 74,000 tons in March and Croatia importing 72,000 tons after an absence last year. These shifts indicate a gradual expansion of Algeria's European client base as countries seek to diversify their energy sources.
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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.
The Global Peace Index GPI 2026, published by the Institute for Economics & Peace, reveals that global peace has declined for the 12th consecutive year. The report, based on 23 indicators including crime levels, internal conflicts, political stability, and militarization, shows a record number of active wars since 1945. Iceland maintains its position as the safest country for the 19th year, followed by New Zealand, Switzerland, Slovenia, and Ireland. Countries like Sudan, DR Congo, and Ukraine are at the bottom of the ranking, with Myanmar being the most critical in the Asia-Pacific region and Russia at the global bottom. Algeria is ranked 91st globally with a score of 2053 points, a slight drop of five positions from the previous edition. In the MENA region, Algeria is 8th, following Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman, and close behind Morocco, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Tunisia. Notably, Algeria surpasses France in the ranking, with France at a concerning 99th place among 163 nations.
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