Moving beyond basic cooperation pacts, Algeria aims to solidify its alliance in the oil, gas, and petrochemical sectors with Oman and India. The objective is to convert these understandings into high-value ventures by executing and broadening investments from both nations within Algeria.
An assessment of current collaboration and strategies to elevate it was the focus of meetings held on Thursday between the Minister of State and Minister of Hydrocarbons, Mohamed Arkab, and corporate executives.
In talks with Sheikh Saad Suhail Bahwan, Chairman of the Omani conglomerate Suhail Bahwan Holding, the minister reviewed cooperative relations with Sonatrach and future growth paths. Discussions centered on fertilizer production ventures, specifically ammonia and urea, according to a ministry statement.
The meeting, attended by Oman’s Ambassador to Algeria, Saif Rashid Al-Badaai, and ministry officials, also covered expanding the Omani group’s Algerian footprints in this segment. Both sides emphasized increasing technical and commercial consultations between Sonatrach and the Omani firm to launch lucrative joint operations. The Omani group’s desire to anchor its position in Algeria was previously signaled during a delegation visit last January.
Deliberations between Arkab and the Omani envoy also touched on cooperation between Sonatrach and Abraj Energy Services. This follows a memorandum of understanding to assess joint prospects in drilling, well maintenance, and specialized oilfield services. Integrated project services, technical expertise sharing, and specialized training across the hydrocarbon value chain were also highlighted. Both parties reaffirmed their mutual commitment to boost economic interaction and investments, expanding partnerships between Sonatrach and Omani firms for mutual benefit.
SEEPCO Aims to Deepen Footprint in Algeria
Partnerships are also poised for growth with India in upstream oil and gas activities. This path was outlined during a session between the Hydrocarbons Minister and Mohit Barot, Executive Director of India’s Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Co (SEEPCO), a prominent operator in African exploration and production.
The meeting focused on partnership outlooks between Sonatrach and the Indian corporation regarding oil and gas research, exploration, development, and production. It also explored joint investment potential within Algeria and across the African continent.
According to the Hydrocarbons Department, talks featured methods to widen cooperation across the entire energy value chain. This includes developing fresh projects and trading technical knowledge in field development, refining, petrochemicals, and technological innovation. Environmental protection, greenhouse gas mitigation, and carbon footprint reduction were also central themes.
Arkab outlined the national strategy for hydrocarbon advancement, highlighting vast investment opportunities in exploration and production. He emphasized the incentives offered by the hydrocarbon legislation to foreign entities, which boost the Algerian market’s appeal and ensure a transparent, competitive investment environment.
The SEEPCO executive expressed the company’s intent to scale up its operations in Algeria and foster alliances with Sonatrach. He noted their readiness to deploy advanced oil and gas technologies, particularly in gas monetization, resource optimization, and emissions reduction. The Indian executive also praised Algeria’s stature in the global energy market and Sonatrach’s extensive industrial expertise.