More work to do for Algeria
A new energy minister and a new Sonatrach investment plan are still not enough to make Algeria attractive to IOCs
For a government keen to bolster the image of its oil industry in the eyes of wary foreign investors, sacking a popular energy minister is not necessarily the way to go. Yet that is what Algeria did in May, dumping Noureddine Boutarfa, despite his high-profile and lauded role in sculpting Opec's recent production cuts agreement. The new minister is Mustapha Guitouni. Boutarfa's unexplained removal came as Algiers sought to persuade international oil companies (IOCs) to get involved in an ambitious oil and gas expansion programme. But those firms will likely remain wary, put off by political uncertainty, onerous investment conditions and the ever-present risk of terrorism. The Sonatrach plan
Also in this section
21 April 2026
After overcoming a COVID-induced demand collapse with several years of successful market management, geopolitical events have conspired to provide the pact’s biggest test to date
21 April 2026
The regime’s policy of using nuclear ambiguity as a deterrent may have failed but it has realised it has other cards to play, while its neighbours are reappraising their approach to security
21 April 2026
As the global energy system undergoes a fundamental realignment, Algihaz Holdings has established itself as a critical player bridging conventional energy markets and the next generation of renewable infrastructure.
21 April 2026
The 25th WPC Energy Congress is taking place from 11-15 October 2026 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center.
