In recent statements to the Algerian Press Agency (APS), the general manager of Sonatrach, the Algerian national oil and gas group did not rule out a revision of the prices of gas delivered to Spain.
Referring to the explosion in prices due to the Ukrainian crisis, he insisted that his country “respects its contracts with its customers” but wishes to revise the gas prices sold to Spain. A statement comes in the context of diplomatic tensions between Algiers and Madrid on the issue of Western Sahara.
After recalling its ambassador on March 16 and having declared that it wanted to revise its agreements with Spain, Algeria, which now refuses to take back migrants intercepted at sea while seeking to reach the Spanish coasts, wants to increase the price of its gas sold to Spain.
Consequence, according to several observers, of the radical change in Madrid’s position towards Western Sahara. Usually neutral in the face of this sensitive issue, she supported the Moroccan autonomy plan for her former colony. This Spanish position ended the nearly year-long diplomatic crisis with Rabat but created another with Algiers.
Morocco proposes greater autonomy within the framework of the Cherifian kingdom, while the Polisario and Algeria demand the independence of Western Sahara.
Spain is very dependent on Algeria for its gas supplies, it imports 40% of its needs from Algeria. The latter seeks to double its gas and oil production within 4 years according to the CEO of Sonatrach, which will invest 40 billion dollars for research and production by 2026.
