Slovenia signs deal to expand natgas deliveries from Algeria

The agreement, signed within the framework of the existing contract on the supply of natural gas with Algeria's Sonatrach, envisages an increase of deliveries by 200 million cubic metres annually, from the current 300 million cubic metres, the government said in a statement earlier this week.

Slovenia has expressed its willingness to extend the natural gas supply contract after 2026, when the existing agreements expire, the government said.

"The signing of the agreement is of strategic importance for both Geoplin and Slovenia, as it represents an important step towards the continuation of the reliable supply of natural gas for Slovenian customers," Geoplin said in a separate statement earlier this week.

With the contract Sonatrach consolidates its position on the Slovenian market, while meeting the growing demand for natural gas in Europe, the Algerian company said.

In November 2022, Geoplin signed a deal with Sonatrach on deliveries of 300 million cubic meters of natural gas annually from January 1, 2023 until December 31, 2025.

The transfer of natural gas from Algeria to Slovenia takes place via gas pipelines via Tunisia, the Mediterranean Sea and Italy up to the entry point in the Slovenian gas pipeline system Gorica – Sempeter.