Algeria regains top spot in Spanish gas market

Algeria has reclaimed its position as Spain’s leading gas supplier, according to an article by the Algerian government-censored outlet ObservAlgérie via Attaqa released on the 12th of June.

This can mostly be explained by a major surge in imports which occurred in May 2026, according to figures released by the Spanish grid operator Enagás which is mentioned in the data of the Attaqa report. This massive increase in Algerian exports enabled the North African nation to surpass the United States, which had dominated Spanish energy imports for the preceding four months.

Algeria covered 42.6% of Spain’s total gas demand during the month. Total monthly deliveries reached 13.37 terawatt-hours (TWh). This shows a major increase compared to the 8.14 TWh recorded during the same period in 2025.

The rebound follows a temporary four-month slowdown in Algerian flows. The breakdown of May deliveries shows 10.37 TWh arrived as natural gas via subsea pipelines. Meanwhile, 3.00 TWh was shipped as liquefied natural gas. The recovery of these liquefied natural gas shipments helped state-owned energy firm Sonatrach, according to ObservAlgérie. These shipments had faced several logistics interruptions earlier in the year. Their return helped counter market competition from American and Russian exporters.

ObservAlgérie reports that the United States led the Spanish market in April but dropped to third place in May. American exports to Spain fell to 4.76 TWh. This was down from 10.07 TWh the previous month. Russia secured the second-place spot by delivering 8.73 TWh of liquefied natural gas. Other smaller suppliers for the month included Portugal, Mauritania, Angola, and Mexico.

The Enagás data also reveals that overall, Spain’s total gas imports rose by 9.3% month-on-month to reach 31.4 TWh. Out of this total, liquefied natural gas shipments remained the dominant import method at 66.2% (19.63 TWh). Pipeline imports accounted for 33.8% (11.76 TWh). The shifting trade volumes highlight the strategic role of the Medgaz pipeline corridor. It provides Spain with direct, geographically secure infrastructure during ongoing global energy fluctuations.

ObservAlgérie via Attaqa, Enagás, Maghrebi.org