Algeria launches new hydrocarbon licensing round

The Algerian government has launched a new international tender for hydrocarbon exploration licences to boost foreign investment and expand its energy output, APS reported on April 19.

The licensing round, announced by the national hydrocarbons agency, covers seven areas for oil and gas exploration and production. It marks the second such tender since 2024 and forms part of broader efforts to enhance the sector’s attractiveness to international partners.

The country’s energy minister, Mohamed Arkab, said the initiative aligns with the government’s strategy to strengthen the hydrocarbons sector and maximise national resources, thereby enhancing Algeria’s position as a reliable destination for energy investment.

Bids must be submitted by November 26, with winners set to be announced on January 31, 2027. Six of the blocks will be offered under production-sharing contracts with state-owned Sonatrach, while the seventh will follow a partnership model in which Sonatrach retains at least a 51% stake.

Algeria has outlined an ambitious investment plan worth between $50bn and $60bn to expand exploration and modernise infrastructure, aiming to double gas production to 200bn cubic metres by 2030.

The country has become a key supplier of natural gas to Europe following the disruption of Russian exports after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Previous licensing rounds have already attracted major international firms, including QatarEnergy, Chevron (NYSE:CVX) and ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM).