Algeria Hints at Letting Go of Gas Pipeline Passing through Morocco

A gas pipeline in Algeria (File photo: Reuters)

Algeria said Thursday that all the natural gas supplies in Spain are now provided through its gas pipeline connecting the two countries, bypassing Morocco, Algeria's official news agency APS reported.

The announcement, which comes two days after Algeria announced the severance of diplomatic relations with Morocco, suggests that Algiers will do without the Maghreb-Europe gas pipeline, which connects Europe via Morocco.

The Algerian Minister of Energy and Mines Mohamed Arkab made the announcement during a meeting with the Spanish ambassador.

Arkab affirmed: "Algeria's total commitment to cover all of Spain's natural gas supplies through the Medgaz," directly connecting the two countries, according to a ministry statement carried by APS.

Last week, before Algeria decided to "review" and then completely sever its relations with Morocco, Rabat said it was in favor of maintaining the Maghreb-Europe gas pipeline, the contract of which is due to expire in October 2021.

"Even in the event of non-renewal of this contract which ends next October, Algeria will be able to supply Spain, but also respond to any additional demand from the Spanish market without any problem," announced Sonatrach CEO last June.

APS also criticized Morocco's announcement of its willingness to extend the gas agreement between the two countries and said that Rabat reaps a "great benefit" from the passage of the gas pipeline to Europe.

Algiers announced on Tuesday that it was severing diplomatic relations with Rabat, citing "relentless hostile acts perpetrated by Morocco against Algeria."