Algeria to launch new oil and gas licensing round on April 19

Algeria is preparing to launch a new oil and gas licensing round on April 19, 2026, offering seven exploration blocks to international energy companies as part of efforts to boost investment and expand hydrocarbon resources, Ennahar Online reported on April 2.

The National Agency for the Valorisation of Hydrocarbon Resources (ALNAFT) said the bid round will follow international standards to ensure transparency and competitiveness, thereby attracting foreign investment and strengthening partnerships with global energy firms. Authorities are expected to release further details on geological data, qualification criteria and the bidding timeline in the coming weeks.

The upcoming round builds on reforms introduced in recent years, including an updated hydrocarbons law designed to improve the investment climate through tax incentives, flexible contractual models and clearer regulatory frameworks.

The initiative forms part of Algeria’s broader strategy to increase exploration activity, enhance reserves and support medium- to long-term production growth, amid intensifying global competition for energy resources. The North African country is seeking to utilise its significant untapped reserves and strategic proximity to European markets.

The move follows a successful 2024 licensing round, which resulted in five contracts signed with eight international companies, including TotalEnergies (EPA:TTE), Eni (BIT:ENI), QatarEnergy and Sinopec (SHA:600028). The projects carried a minimum investment commitment of $936mn, covering both exploration and development activities.

Estimates from the previous round indicated substantial resource potential, including around 330bn cubic metres of gas and more than 560m barrels of oil.