Meloni Seeks Increased Algerian Gas Supplies to Strengthen Italy’s Energy Security

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Rome is seeking to secure additional natural gas supplies from Algeria, as the two countries move to deepen their strategic energy partnership.

Speaking during her official visit to Algeria, Meloni met with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune at a time when Italy is facing a prolonged disruption in liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies from Qatar, which previously accounted for around 10% of its annual gas consumption.

“We have decided to strengthen our cooperation, including between Eni and Sonatrach, while also expanding into new areas such as shale gas and offshore exploration,” Meloni said. She added that these efforts would, over the long term, enable increased gas flows from Algeria to Italy.

While no specific timeline or volume targets were disclosed, both sides emphasized the importance of their energy ties. Tebboune described the relations as strategic and multi-dimensional, particularly in the energy sector.

He reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to honoring its obligations as a reliable energy partner to Italy and Europe, especially amid growing challenges related to supply security and global oil and gas market stability.

Italy has been actively seeking alternative energy sources to compensate for reduced LNG shipments from Qatar. Earlier, Italian Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin confirmed that Rome is in talks with several countries, including Algeria, to secure additional gas supplies.

Algeria supplied Italy with approximately 20 billion cubic meters of gas last year, accounting for nearly 30% of Italy’s annual consumption. Around half of this volume was delivered under contracts between Sonatrach and Eni.