Pedro Sanchez pushes for larger Algerian gas deliveries to Spain

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez travelled to Algeria to negotiate a significant increase in natural gas supplies. Algeria currently provides 30‑35% of Spain's gas imports, mainly through the Medgaz pipeline, which has a capacity of about 10.6 billion cubic metres (bcm) per year. Spain aims to add 0.4‑0.8 bcm via the pipeline and another 0.5‑1 bcm of liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipped by tanker, targeting roughly 1.8 bcm of extra gas.

The delegation includes senior executives from Spain's major energy firms – Naturgy, Enagás, Repsol and Moeve – reflecting the strategic importance of the deal. Algeria's state‑owned Sonatrach holds a 51% stake in Medgaz, while the remaining share is split between Naturgy and the BlackRock‑led investment fund. Discussions focus on flexible contracts, capacity guarantees and potential investments in renewable energy projects. The talks occur against a backdrop of strained global gas markets due to the Russia‑Ukraine war and heightened U.S.–Iran tensions, and follow a diplomatic rift over the Western Sahara that began in 2022.