Sonatrach’s oil and gas exports from January to the end of October reached 89 million tonnes of oil equivalent, an increase of 9% compared to the same period in 2015, the Algeria’s state-owned oil company revealed. Oil output also increased by 80,000 barrels per day in Q3.

This increase had resulted in a rise of around 1 million tonnes of Sahara Blend, which was shipped to Cuba following the signing of a contract with Cubametales, as well as to Brazil.

Sonatrach added that gas exports during the 10-month period increased by 40%, compared to the same period last year. The company also supplied oil and gas to Asian markets and Australia.

Algeria for the past few years battled with deteriorating production as foreign oil investors were discouraged by the country’s tough contract terms.

However, the state-run energy company has invested and entered into several contracts to improve output from its matured fields while more than a few new gas fields done in partnership with international oil companies are beginning operation in the southern Sahara, Kitco news reports.

Anita Fatunji