Oil, gas, petrochemicals, Sonatrach, and energy sector developments
Following the advancements in the sector closely, Ali Kahlane analyzes the integration of six energy services into the Dzair Digital Services portal. Between efficiency gains, limitations of the 'back-office', digital divide, and the imperative of cybersecurity, he scrutinizes the conditions for the successful digital transition of the State.
Algeria consolidates its position in the Italian gas market. In the first half of 2026, Algerian natural gas exports to Italy via pipeline reached 11.4 billion cubic meters, an increase of 4.3% year-on-year. A particularly significant increase in a nearly stable Italian market, where demand has only risen by 0.2% during the same period. This is revealed by the Italian specialized media "Qualenergia".
In the face of upheavals in the global energy market, the Sonatrach group is adopting a new strategy based notably on diversifying its clients. This approach aims to secure its revenues and reduce its historical dependence on traditional partners in Europe.
Oil prices saw an increase at settlement this Saturday. Brent crude futures rose by 61 cents at settlement, equivalent to 0.65 percent, to $94.39 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate crude futures increased by 23 cents, or 0.26 percent, to $87.06 per barrel. Brent crude rose by 6.39 percent, while the price of West Texas Intermediate crude increased by 5.66 percent this week, with both reaching their highest level since June 24 in the previous session.
Oil prices rose more than two percent at settlement on Thursday, reaching their highest levels in nearly a month. Brent crude futures increased by $2.16 or 2.4 percent to $93.78 per barrel at settlement, the highest level since July 24. West Texas Intermediate crude futures for September rose by $2 at settlement to $87.83 per barrel, also the highest level since July 24.
The Secretary-General of the African Organization of Oil Producers, Algerian Fred Ghazali, confirmed that strengthening the energy sovereignty of the continent is among the organization's priority work axes, in addition to the upcoming launch of the African Energy Bank and the development of African production capacities, facilities, and competencies, with the aim of integration. Ghazali added in a statement published on the organization's website: “Strengthening Africa's energy sovereignty is one of the organization's priorities within a new phase of its work.” He explained that this sovereignty must translate into “the ability to make strategic decisions, control our resources, develop our infrastructure, and ensure that African populations truly benefit from the energy wealth of the continent.”
The Secretary General of the African Oil Producers Organization, Algerian Fred Ghazali, confirmed that strengthening the continent's energy sovereignty is among the organization's priority areas, in addition to the upcoming launch of the African Energy Bank and the development of African production capacities, facilities, and competencies, aimed at integration. Mr. Ghazali added in a statement published on the organization's website: "Strengthening Africa's energy sovereignty is one of the organization's priorities within a new phase of its work."
Oil prices stabilized at the beginning of trading on Thursday, with Brent crude futures rising by 25 cents or 0.3 percent to $91.87 per barrel. West Texas Intermediate crude futures fell to $85.81 per barrel, while the American crude contract rose by 14 cents or 0.2 percent to $84.53.
To circumvent Brussels' ecological tightening, Algiers goes on the offensive. Between the deployment of SONATRACH's climate strategy, a massive plan of 3,200 MW of renewable energies, and increased energy efficiency, the country accelerates its decarbonization. An industrial response coupled with a diplomatic showdown to preserve our economic interests in the face of European demands.
In response to repeated consumption peaks on the national electricity grid, the Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies, Mourad Adjal, has instructed his officials to finalize the roadmap related to the strategic energy stock.
The awakening of the offshore Zarat field, driven by a large-scale international tender, offers Tunisia the opportunity to stabilize its energy security. Far from straining regional ties, this project with high technical potential paves the way for renewed industrial cooperation with Algeria, whose national champion SONATRACH stands out as the natural strategic partner to succeed in this technological turning point.
Algeria - The demand for electrical energy across the country recorded a new record peak of 21,828 megawatts today, Wednesday, amid the ongoing heatwave affecting the country during the summer of 2026, accompanied by rising humidity levels across many provinces, according to a statement from the Ministry of Energy and Renewable Energies.