Oil recovery buys Algiers only limited time

New hydrocarbons law may represent a last-chance saloon for the North African producer

Crude’s surge above $60/bl in early 2021 has brought some relief to Algeria’s battered finances. But the prospect of further Opec+ output relaxation in May is a source of uncertainty, and recent calls for caution and market stability from the group by energy and mining minister Mohamed Arkab are symptomatic of Algiers’ nervousness. Fundamentally, however, Opec+ decisions barely scratch the surface of Algeria’s deeply seated difficulties in reforming its economy and reducing a crippling reliance on its oil and gas industry, which accounts for more than 95pc of export revenue and 60pc of its budget. 95pc – Oil and gas’ share of export revenues The effects of the 2020 pandemic shed furt