In search of gas supplies: Italian Prime Minister Meloni visits Algiers
## Overview of Italy's Prime Minister's Visit to Algeria
Overview of Italy's Prime Minister's Visit to Algeria
On Wednesday, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni arrived in Algiers for a working visit. This marks her second visit to Algeria since assuming office. The visit's primary objectives include securing additional gas supplies and strengthening bilateral relations.
Italy is seeking to increase its liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from Algeria due to disruptions in LNG exports from Qatar, attributed to geopolitical tensions. Algeria is currently Italy's leading source of gas, fulfilling approximately 30% of Italy's total gas requirements.
Prime Minister Meloni intends to negotiate favorable pricing for Algerian gas during her visit. Italy and Algeria are connected through the Transmed pipeline, which facilitates direct gas transportation between the two countries.
On Wednesday, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni arrived in Algiers for a working visit.
However, challenges exist due to the broader energy crisis influenced by geopolitical factors such as the situation near the Strait of Hormuz. Algeria is inclined to maintain market prices for its gas exports, while Italy is considering offering investments in exchange for price concessions.
Despite the strategic advantage of the Transmed pipeline, Algeria faces the challenge of scaling up its export capacity to meet increasing international demand amidst limited alternative suppliers.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
