Algeria asked to boost gas supplies as Europe grapples with impact of wars in Ukraine and Gaza

European nations have reportedly asked Algeria to increase deliveries of natural gas to the continent as the world continues to feel the energy squeeze from wars in Ukraine and Gaza. 

"We are a Mediterranean country. We are a gas-producing country. We are being asked by our partners in Europe more and more to deliver additional quantities of gas," said Ahmed Attaf, the Algerian foreign minister, at a special World Economic Forum meeting in Riyadh on Sunday.

After Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 European nations sought to dramatically reduce their reliance on Russian gas. Many nations turned to Algeria. 

Today, Italy is Algeria’s largest European buyer purchasing large quantities of both pipeline deliveries and liquified natural gas shipments. France and Spain are also large export markets for Algerian gas. 

Experts have warned that the war in Gaza could impact the natural gas market in the region threatening Europe’s supply. 

Algeria’s plan to boost production will require it to continue developing its gas fields.