Algeria’s gas demand increases by 8.9% amid pressure on exports

Natural gas demand in Algeria rose sharply in 2025 by 4.67bn cubic metres, marking an annual increase of 8.9% and reaching a new record of 57.27 bcm, up from 52.60 bcm in 2024, Attaqa reported on May 3, citing data from the Energy Research Unit.

The surge has been driven primarily by growing reliance on gas, particularly in power generation, where it accounts for nearly all electricity output. However, the rapid rise in domestic consumption is placing increasing pressure on Algeria’s ability to balance internal needs with export commitments to Europe.

Gas exports, including pipeline shipments and liquefied natural gas, declined to 45.7 bcm in 2025 from 49.29 bcm a year earlier.

Data from OPEC’s annual statistical bulletin show that Algeria’s gas demand has consistently trended upward over the past five years, surpassing 50 bcm annually since 2022 and recording one of the largest yearly increases since 2000. Compared with the 2000 levels of 20.56 bcm, demand has surged by more than 178%. Despite the overall increase, gas consumption for electricity generation and heating fell to 19.27 bcm in 2025 from 22.91 bcm in 2024, suggesting that other sectors, such as industry or oil-related operations, are driving demand growth.

Gas production declined to 101.84 bcm in 2025 from 104.49 bcm in 2024, though early 2026 data indicate a recovery, with output rising in the first two months of the year.