Algeria targets 201 million tonnes of hydrocarbon output by 2030

Output was about 128 million tonnes at the end of September.

The target is part of a medium-term development programme for the hydrocarbon sector. It includes more exploration, higher production capacity and better use of national resources.

The programme would also raise the conversion rate, the share of crude oil turned into refined products, from 30% to more than 50%. Sonatrach, Algeria's state oil and gas company, recorded 18 new hydrocarbon discoveries in 2026 so far.

On Tuesday, Mohamed Arkab, Minister of State and Minister of Hydrocarbons, visited production sites in the Hassi Messaoud area. He then inspected the new refinery under construction in the Haoud El Hamra area.

The refinery will have a design capacity of five million tonnes of crude oil a year. It is one of the projects meant to build Algeria's refining capacity and turn crude into products with higher value.

A statement from the Ministry of Hydrocarbons said the minister held a working meeting with Sonatrach and the two companies building the plant. Spain's Técnicas Reunidas and China's Sinopec gave presentations on progress, alongside Algerian national companies taking part in the work.

The meeting covered the technical, organisational and logistics aspects of the project. It also assessed the state of the works and the coordination between the bodies involved.

Arkab said there should be stronger follow-up and coordination. He also said the resources needed to complete the project within the contract timetable and the set deadlines should be provided.

Once running, the refinery is expected to meet national demand for fuel oil (mazout) and petrol, and to reduce imports of refined products. It could also provide surplus output for export.

Its site near the Hassi Messaoud oil fields is expected to improve supply and distribution. It should also cut the cost of moving products to the southern wilayas, the administrative regions.

The project will use modern refining and conversion technology. The ministry said this will meet international quality standards and environmental requirements, and cut emissions.

Arkab said the plant would help supply the national market with petroleum products and add value to national resources.