Algeria’s government has announced that it aims to introduce another round of revisions to its much-criticized oil and gas licensing regime this year, following several years of negligible overseas interest in exploration. Officials have also stated that controversial development of the country’s substantial shale gas resources is once again under consideration (see box, MEES, 20 October). State energy company Sonatrach meanwhile hopes to agree LNG marketing joint ventures with traders by the end of the year in recognition of the growing importance of short-term and spot sales.