Spain is looking to deepen its energy partnership with Algeria as global gas markets grow more volatile.
The two countries are currently discussing the possibility of increasing the volume of natural gas shipped from Algeria to Spain, according to Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, who spoke on Thursday after meeting with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and senior government officials in Algiers.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Albares said the discussions focused on expanding existing gas flows and navigating the current turbulence in global energy markets.
“We have talked about there being a greater volume of gas,” Albares said. “We also discussed the broader context of the gas market and the war in the Middle East.”
Behind those diplomatic remarks lies a concrete possibility. Two sources familiar with the discussions told Reuters that shipments through the Medgaz pipeline could rise by as much as 10%. The pipeline is currently one of Spain’s most important energy links to North Africa, transporting Algerian gas directly across the Mediterranean.
The conversations come at a time when geopolitical tensions are once again reshaping global energy flows. The ongoing regional conflict involving Iran has injected fresh uncertainty into gas markets, pushing several European countries to secure alternative or expanded supply routes.
Spanish energy company Naturgy is already signalling interest in strengthening its partnership with Algeria. The company’s chief executive, Francisco Reynés, said earlier this week that Naturgy intends to reinforce ties with Algerian supplier Sonatrach, which is both a key gas provider and a shareholder.
Naturgy holds long-term contracts with Sonatrach for roughly five billion cubic metres of gas annually, according to figures the company previously disclosed to the market.
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Algeria remains a cornerstone of Spain’s energy supply. Data from Enagás, the country’s gas grid operator, shows Algerian gas accounted for more than 29% of Spain’s total imports during the first two months of the year.
The ownership structure of the Medgaz pipeline also reflects the close relationship between the two countries’ energy sectors. Sonatrach controls a 51% stake in the pipeline, while Naturgy holds a minority share. Sonatrach also owns roughly 4% of Naturgy itself.
Spain is not the only country seeking stronger gas ties with Algiers. During a visit earlier this week, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also expressed hope that Algeria could increase gas exports to Italy as European governments scramble to secure reliable energy supplies in an increasingly unstable geopolitical environment.
