Spain is in advanced negotiations with Algeria to boost gas deliveries through the Medgaz pipeline by up to 10%, as Europe seeks stability amid rising volatility in global energy markets caused by tensions in the Middle East. The talks, which could culminate during Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares’ visit to Algiers this week, reflect Spain’s urgent drive to secure reliable energy supplies. Algeria already provides nearly a third of Spain’s gas imports, making it a crucial partner in the country’s energy strategy. Speaking after meetings with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboun

Spain is in advanced negotiations with Algeria to boost gas deliveries through the Medgaz pipeline by up to 10%, as Europe seeks stability amid rising volatility in global energy markets caused by tensions in the Middle East. The talks, which could culminate during Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares’ visit to Algiers this week, reflect Spain’s urgent drive to secure reliable energy supplies. Algeria already provides nearly a third of Spain’s gas imports, making it a crucial partner in the country’s energy strategy. Speaking after meetings with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and senior officials, Albares confirmed discussions on increasing gas volumes. “We have talked about there being a greater volume. We spoke about the context of the gas market with the war in the Middle East,” he said, highlighting the geopolitical pressures influencing supply decisions. The proposed increase would rely on spare capacity in the Medgaz pipeline, which directly connects Algeria to Spain and can handle roughly 1 billion cubic meters (bcm) of additional gas annually. Spain’s utility sector, including firms like Naturgy, already maintains long-term agreements with Algeria’s Sonatrach, securing around 5 bcm of gas each year. Sonatrach also holds a majority stake in the Medgaz pipeline, underscoring the strategic depth of the partnership. Other European countries are also seeking to tap Algeria’s gas. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated during a recent visit to Algiers that Rome is exploring additional gas contracts, reflecting growing regional competition for North African energy resources. For Algeria, the heightened demand presents an opportunity to cement its role as a strategic European energy supplier. For Spain and its neighbours, expanding Algerian gas imports offers a critical buffer against potential disruptions from the Middle East, strengthening energy security at a time of global market instability. As Europe braces for possible shocks to energy flows, securing additional gas through Medgaz could prove pivotal in stabilizing supply and mitigating risks to both industry and households.

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