Algeria has launched its 2026 oil and gas licensing round, offering seven exploration blocks as part of efforts to raise production and attract foreign investment. Announced in Algiers before international energy firms, the programme targets key hydrocarbon regions including Ouargla, Illizi, Touggourt, and El Bayadh, with prospects containing hundreds of millions of barrels of oil and substantial gas reserves.
The bidding process will begin on June 1 with access to tender documents, technical data, and online presentations. Clarification sessions will continue through October, while final bid submissions are scheduled for November 26. Successful bidders are expected to sign contracts with state-owned Sonatrach by January 31 next year under production-sharing or participation agreements.
The new licensing round forms part of Algeria’s strategy to strengthen its upstream sector and preserve its influence in global energy markets. Officials say the initiative will enhance energy security, expand export capacity, and reinforce Algeria’s position as a major regional energy hub.
