Italy Seeks to Increase Gas Imports from Algeria
The Italian government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has announced its intention to increase gas imports from Algeria. This announcement was made during an official visit to Algiers, where Meloni held a press conference alongside Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
Why Now?
Italy is currently facing a supply crisis. Recent military strikes have targeted gas facilities in Qatar, which previously covered around 10% of Italy's annual consumption. The partial shutdown of these facilities has led to a 35% surge in gas prices in Europe. As a result, Rome is urgently seeking to fill this gap.
Algeria: A Natural Choice
Algeria is already Italy's largest gas supplier, covering over 30% of its needs. The gas is primarily transported through the Transmed pipeline, which is currently operating at full capacity. In 2025, energy exchanges between the two countries reached €8.1 billion, accounting for 83% of Italy's total imports from Algeria.
What Has Been Decided
Meloni and Tebboune have agreed to strengthen their energy cooperation. The two national giants, Italian Eni and Algerian Sonatrach, will be mobilized to work together on new fronts, including shale gas and offshore exploration. The goal is to gradually increase the volume of gas delivered to Italy.
