Algeria has officially launched its ‘Algeria Bid Round 2026’, placing seven oil and gas exploration blocks on the market in a bid to accelerate upstream output and cement its standing as a leading regional energy hub. Hydrocarbons Minister Mohamed Arkab unveiled the round at a ceremony in Algiers attended by representatives of international energy companies.
The seven blocks — Est Bordj Omar Driss I, Illizi Centre I, El M’Zaid Nord, El Borma II, El Hadjira III, El Benoud Est, and Touggourt Sud — are located in the Ouargla, Illizi, Touggourt, and El Bayadh regions. Officials say they contain hundreds of millions of barrels of oil alongside significant natural gas volumes.
The technical phase opens on June 1, with access to tender documents and online presentations, followed by data sessions running until October 31. Bid submissions are due on November 26, with hydrocarbon contracts to be signed with state-owned Sonatrach on January 31, 2027, under production-sharing or participation agreements depending on the block. Technical evaluations will cover exploration, development, and production optimisation plans, with financial criteria also applied for most blocks.
“The new bidding round will help strengthen global energy security and reinforce Algeria’s role as a regional energy hub,” Arkab said. Sonatrach, which operates across Algeria’s full oil and gas chain — including six refineries and two petrochemicals complexes — will be the primary contracting partner for successful bidders.
Sources: agbi.com, orientalnewsng.com