Europe seeks more Algerian gas before winter 2026-2027
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Algérie 360
Illustrative image · Jan van der Wolf · Pexels · Licence PexelsSeveral European countries are seeking to increase their purchases of Algerian gas before the winter of 2026-2027, as prices approach $90 per megawatt-hour and stocks remain low. Algeria supplied 33.9% of Spain’s imported gas in the first half of 2026, according to Algérie360.
The Czech Republic wants to double its purchases of Algerian gas, from 200 million to 400 million cubic metres a year. The objective was discussed during Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš’s visit to Algiers on 26 and 27 October, while Sonatrach, Algeria’s state hydrocarbons company, discussed extending the contract signed in 2024 with ČEZ, the Czech energy group, according to Algérie 360.
The proposed doubling is not yet a contractual commitment. An additional 200 million cubic metres would represent less than 0.5% of Algeria’s 2025 exports, but would enable Algiers to strengthen its presence on the Central European gas market, according to Algérie 360.
Germany has already secured an increase in its supplies: Sonatrach and VNG, its German energy partner, signed a contract on 16 July providing for additional deliveries from 1 January 2027. The volumes involved have not been made public. Spain is also negotiating an increase in flows through the Medgaz pipeline, which could rise from around 28 million to 32 million cubic metres a day, according to Algérie 360.
The discussions come as European stocks remain low and the gas price on the Dutch benchmark market was approaching $90 per megawatt-hour at the end of October. Algeria supplied 33.9% of Spain’s gas imports in the first half of 2026 and remains Italy’s main longstanding supplier, according to Algérie 360. They follow the French request for more Algerian oil and LNG made on 20 October, after Sonatrach presented a diversified energy mix on 5 October.
