Spain’s Gas Supply in Jeopardy as Algeria Shifts Pipeline Routes

Since Monday, November 1, 2021, Spain has been supplied with gas via the Medgaz pipeline that directly connects it to Algeria. But the low capacity of this pipeline does not seem to reassure many Spanish observers and experts, especially since Spain is going through a serious energy crisis. The country currently has only 20 days of reserves, reports Algérie Part citing the Spanish media Libre Mercado.

According to this Spanish media, the end of the GME threatens Spain’s energy security, especially since Algeria provided 47.7% of gas to Spain at the end of June 2021, according to official data. This energy dependence of Spain on Algeria leads experts to fear the worst, as Algeria is perceived as a politically "unstable" country.

For its part, Algeria has tried to reassure Spain about its ability to meet its gas supply commitments, thanks to the Medgaz pipeline. "Algeria will offer its European partners a safer and less costly commercial choice," the Algerian presidency said in a statement released on Sunday. And to add: "This is a well-considered decision that has allowed the Algerian side to provide assurances to its Spanish partner."