“Sonatrach Eyes Expansion into Central Europe Following Gas Deal with Germany”, Says CEO Hachichi
BY: Dr. Hana Saada
ALGIERS- Rachid Hachichi, CEO of Sonatrach, Algeria’s national oil and gas company, revealed plans to extend its activities into Central Europe following a recent natural gas sales agreement with the German company VNG. The contract, facilitated through the Enrico Mattei gas pipeline, marks a significant milestone for Sonatrach, opening doors for future expansion opportunities in the region.
“We see great potential to further develop this cooperation and expand it in the future to other areas of the energy value chain. It also allows us to consider expanding our activities in Central Europe in the future,” assured Mr. Hachichi in an interview with APS.
He announced that initial natural gas deliveries under the groundbreaking contract with VNG have already commenced, signaling the beginning of a mutually beneficial partnership.
Mr. Hachichi emphasized that the agreement with the German company aligns with Sonatrach’s strategy to diversify its customer portfolio and strengthen its presence in European markets. The successful outcome of negotiations between the two parties further bolsters energy trade partnerships with Europe.
Highlighting Sonatrach’s numerous strengths in defending its position in the global gas market, Mr. Hachichi underscored the significance of Algeria’s vast natural gas reserves. This abundance enables Sonatrach to ensure stable and reliable gas supply to meet demand.
Algeria boasts an extensive network of pipelines spanning 21,190 kilometers, comprising 43 pipelines equipped with 85 pumping and compression stations capable of transporting 406 million tons of oil equivalent (TEP) per year, including 140 billion cubic meters of natural gas.
Furthermore, Algeria’s infrastructure includes liquefied natural gas (LNG) liquefaction complexes with a capacity of 55 million cubic meters of LNG and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) separation facilities producing 10.4 million tons annually. These installations facilitate exports via both pipelines and LNG carriers, optimizing export efficiency.
Mr. Hachichi attributed Sonatrach’s success to its high-quality human resources and technical expertise, particularly in exploration, production, transportation, and processing. This expertise enables the optimization of operations while maintaining internationally recognized standards of environmental quality and safety.
In addition to its internal capabilities, Sonatrach has forged strategic partnerships with global gas industry players, enhancing its market position and fostering mutually beneficial collaborations.
“By leveraging these strengths, Sonatrach is well-positioned to defend its market share and play a significant role in the global gas industry. It remains committed to fulfilling its obligations to all its customers, even in times of crisis, further strengthening its reputation as a credible and reliable supplier,” affirmed the CEO.
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