Algeria’s Sonatrach said this week that the 2.5bcm/y expansion to its direct-to-Spain 8bcm/y Medgaz gas pipeline is going smoothly with completion expected by end-November. Sonatrach and Spanish partner Naturgy previously said “Autumn”.

Medgaz is central to Algeria’s gas export security. Worsening relations between Algiers and Rabat have cast doubt on a potential deal for the continued use of the 11.5bcm/y Gaz Maghreb Europe (GME) pipeline which traverses Morocco on its way to Spain. The contract regulating current GME supplies ends on October 31. (CONTINUED - 144 WORDS)