ALGIERS – The Sonatrach Group made 13 new oil discoveries between January and the end of last August, all through its own efforts, the Algerian Minister of State, Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mines Mohamed Arkab announced on Saturday.
This announcement came during a hearing before the Finance and Budget Committee of the People’s National Assembly (Parliament’s lower house), which was examining the 2026 draft budget law under the chairmanship of committee head Mohamed Benhachem.
Arkab said these discoveries resulted from Sonatrach’s efforts, which included conducting 7,824 km² of 2D seismic surveys and 7,768 km² of 3D seismic surveys.
He noted that the discoveries made during the first eight months of this year will enable Algeria to increase its initial hydrocarbon production by replenishing reserves.
In this regard, the minister added that the company managed to complete more than 466,156 meters in exploratory and development drilling between January and August, compared to 405,273 meters during the same period in 2024, representing an increase of 15%, in addition to completing 142 wells, compared to 121 wells by the end of August 2024.
