Spain’s Gas Pipeline Decision Strains Relations with Algeria

Algeria, which closed the Maghreb-Europe pipeline at the end of November due to tensions with Morocco, did not appreciate Spain’s decision to authorize the kingdom to import gas through this pipeline, according to sources close to the file told Ok Diario. The news would have provoked the strong anger of the Algerian authorities, although the Spanish Executive had assured them that it was only a commercial agreement with a partner, "as it would have been with any other partner or neighbor".

The Ministry of Ecological Transition did not want to comment on the subject. But official sources from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs categorically deny this "alleged anger of Algeria" and reassure that relations between the two countries are "good and fluid".

"Morocco has requested support to guarantee its energy security, based on commercial relations, and Spain has positively responded to its request, as it should do with any other partner or neighbor. In full transparency, Morocco will be able to buy LNG on international markets, transform it in a Spanish regasification plant and use the Maghreb-Europe pipeline to transport it to its territory," announced on February 2, the Minister of Ecological Transition, Teresa Ribera.

Morocco and Spain had been looking for a solution to continue to ensure the gas supply to their respective countries after the closure of the Maghreb-Europe pipeline. The two countries had been negotiating this agreement for months, which was finally concluded on February 2. Meanwhile, Algeria is unable to satisfy Spain with gas. In January, the gas import rate from Algeria has dropped considerably, making the United States Spain’s main gas supplier, ahead of Algeria.