The Czech Republic, France, and Germany are seeking to boost their imports of Algerian gas as they look to secure their energy needs. The Czech Republic aims to double its gas imports from Algeria, with a current contract between Czech energy company ČEZ and Algerian state-owned company Sonatrach. The deal would see imports rise from 200 million cubic meters to 400 million cubic meters per year. This follows a visit by Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and Industry Minister Karel Havlíček to Algeria.
France has also requested an increase in shipments of oil and liquefied natural gas from Algeria. The move is part of efforts to secure additional supplies amid ongoing turbulence in energy markets. French President Emmanuel Macron has been in talks with Gulf states and other suppliers to secure new deals. Algeria's Sonatrach has existing contractual obligations with other customers, which may limit its ability to increase gas shipments to France in the short term.
Germany is also looking to expand its cooperation with Algeria in the gas sector. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said in September that Algeria was a reliable partner in the energy sector and could help fill Germany's gas storage facilities. An agreement was signed between Sonatrach and German company VNG to increase Algerian gas supplies to Germany, starting from January 2027. The deal was signed during a visit by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to Berlin in July.
Algeria has a significant presence in the European gas market due to its geographic proximity and existing pipeline infrastructure. The country's gas exports to Europe are transported through two main pipelines: Medgaz, which connects Algeria to Spain, and Transmed, which transports gas to Italy via Tunisia and Sicily. Algeria also exports liquefied natural gas by sea.
The developments are part of a broader shift in Europe's gas supplier landscape following the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Russia's share of EU gas imports fell from 45% in 2021 to 13% in 2025, while the US increased its share from 5.6% to 28%. Norway's share approached 31%. Algeria's share of EU gas imports has remained steady, ranging from 13% to 14% over the past four years.
The Czech Republic's efforts to diversify its gas supplies are part of a broader strategy to reduce its dependence on Russian gas. The country's existing contract with Sonatrach was signed in 2024. France and Germany are also seeking to reduce their reliance on Russian gas, with France looking to increase its imports of liquefied natural gas.
The increased demand for Algerian gas comes as the country looks to capitalize on its position as a major gas supplier to Europe. Algeria's Sonatrach has existing contracts with several European energy companies, and the country is well-positioned to meet growing demand.
Key points
- The Czech Republic aims to double its gas imports from Algeria.
- France has requested an increase in shipments of oil and liquefied natural gas from Algeria.
- Germany has signed an agreement with Algeria to increase its gas imports.
