Algeria Gate: Algeria is confirming its weight on the African energy market. According to data from the Energy Research Unit, the country ranked as the fourth African exporter of crude oil transported by sea, with an average of 380,000 barrels per day between March and August 2026.
Over this period, Algeria came behind Libya, Nigeria and Angola, three other major producers on the continent. This ranking underlines the important place occupied by Algerian oil in international energy exchanges, notably thanks to the country’s port infrastructure and export capacities.
Rising production
This performance comes in a context marked by an increase in national production. During the second quarter of 2026, Algerian crude oil production reached approximately 980,000 barrels per day. Including other petroleum liquids, the country’s total production rose to nearly 1.45 million barrels per day. These volumes enable Algeria to maintain a significant presence on the African and Mediterranean oil markets while meeting part of the demand from its foreign partners.
380,000 barrels exported every day by sea
Between March and August 2026, Algerian crude exports transported by ship therefore averaged 380,000 barrels daily. This figure is particularly important since maritime transport constitutes one of the main means of shipping crude oil to international markets. With this fourth place in Africa, Algeria positions itself among the continent’s main crude suppliers, alongside the major oil powers that are Nigeria, Libya and Angola.
Energy remains a strategic sector for Algeria
Hydrocarbons continue to play a central role in the Algerian economy and in the country’s commercial exchanges. The production increase observed in 2026 could allow Algeria to consolidate its export capacities, in an international context where the security of energy supplies remains a major issue.
The ranking of maritime exports also highlights the competition between the main African producers, as several countries seek to increase their production and attract more investment in the energy sector.
For Algeria, the challenge will now be to maintain its production levels, strengthen its export capacities and continue investments in the oil sector, while in parallel developing natural gas and new energy pathways.