Algeria's LNG Exports Surge 41% in March, France Overtakes Turkey as Top Buyer
Image: Algerie Eco
Takeaway
The 41% surge in Algerian LNG exports and the shift in top buyers signal a strategic realignment in Mediterranean energy dynamics. European utilities should closely monitor Algeria's export volumes and destination trends, as increased reliance on Algerian LNG may impact spot market prices and supply availability for other buyers. Companies involved in LNG shipping and infrastructure should assess opportunities related to increased Algerian exports and potential bottlenecks in receiving terminals.
Algeria's liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports experienced a significant rebound in March 2026, increasing by 41% compared to February. According to data published on April 2, 2026, by the Energy Research Unit, a Washington-based platform, the total volume of LNG exports reached 938,000 tons in March, up from 667,000 tons in February and 440,000 tons in January. This surge marks the second consecutive month of growth, bringing the overall increase since the start of 2026 to approximately 112%.
The increase in LNG exports is attributed to supply disruptions caused by the ongoing war in the Middle East. Algeria's strategic location in the Mediterranean allows it to maintain a stable flow of trade, avoiding disruptions related to the security situation in other regions. While exports have rebounded strongly, they remain below the 1.15 million tons recorded in March 2025, indicating that output has not yet fully returned to previous levels. In 2023, Algeria ranked 7th globally in natural gas exports, totaling 52 billion cubic meters, including 18 billion cubic meters of LNG and 34 billion cubic meters via pipeline.
France has emerged as the leading destination for Algerian LNG, importing 347,000 tons in March. This surpasses Turkey, which received 337,000 tons. Other European countries also maintained steady imports, including the United Kingdom with 76,000 tons, Spain with 74,000 tons, Croatia with 71,500 tons, and Italy with 33,000 tons. Croatia's presence marks a new development, as it only began importing Algerian LNG in March. Algeria has two operational LNG terminals in Arzew and Skikda, owned and operated by Sonatrach, with a total nominal liquefaction capacity of 1,215 Bcf per year.
The rise in Algerian LNG exports benefits European countries seeking to diversify their energy sources amid geopolitical tensions. Algeria's ability to provide stable and relatively secure LNG shipments strengthens its position in the regional energy market. The shift in destinations, with France overtaking Turkey, reflects changing demand patterns and logistical advantages favoring shorter, more secure Mediterranean routes. Algeria is actively seeking to capitalize on favorable spot market prices while ramping up operational capacity.
Looking ahead, Algeria is expected to maintain its role as a key supplier to Europe, particularly as geopolitical tensions continue to disrupt traditional energy routes. Officials and analysts anticipate that the country's stable LNG shipments could further solidify its position in the regional energy market in the coming months. Algeria is also working to expand its LNG production, which is currently around 25 million tonnes per year, and is reviewing export prices in line with its economic interests.