Energy specialists and experts gathered on Wednesday in Oran to discuss the profound transformations reshaping global natural gas markets amid growing volatility, rising challenges to energy security and pricing, and the evolving role of gas in the global energy transition.
During a high-level conference titled “Gas Market Outlook: Pricing Dynamics, Supply Security, and Global Competition,” organized as part of the 13th edition of the Africa & Mediterranean Energy & Hydrogen Exhibition and Conferences (NAPEC 2025), participants emphasized the strategic importance of natural gas in the global energy equation, as nations strive to balance energy security, purchasing power, and environmental commitments.
Amirouche Babas, an executive at the Directorate-General for Studies and Foresight at the Ministry of Energy and Renewable Energies, stated that ensuring gas supply security has become an “absolute priority” amid escalating geopolitical tensions and deep shifts in global demand patterns. He stressed the need to boost investments in exploration, production, and infrastructure to ensure the sustainability of supplies.
For his part, Harous Madjid, Director of Commercial Development at TotalEnergies Algeria, noted that gas pricing is undergoing “significant transformations,” marked by a shift from oil-indexed models toward greater reliance on spot markets and hybrid pricing mechanisms. According to him, these changes compel both producers and importers to adopt more flexible strategies to cope with price volatility and intensified competition.
Speakers addressed several key themes, including the future of gas pricing between traditional benchmarks and spot markets, the role of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in reshaping global trade flows, and the increasing competition between pipeline gas and LNG.
Discussions also explored the impacts of climate policies and carbon neutrality goals on long-term gas demand, particularly in Europe and Asia, where natural gas is viewed as a transitional energy source toward cleaner alternatives.
Finally, participants highlighted investment opportunities in the gas sector, particularly large-scale expansion projects aimed at increasing production and enhancing export capacity. They also underscored the importance of diversifying markets and strengthening international partnerships to meet future challenges.
