Algeria’s President Intervenes to Defuse Tensions over Shale Gas Plans

Algeria does not intend to proceed with exploitation of shale gas in the near future, announced the Head of the country following protests in some southern cities. 

“Exploitation of this new energy is not yet on the agenda” Algeria’s President Abdelaziz Bouteflika said as reported by Algeria Press Service.  

Bouteflika asked the Government to inform local population about the country’s plan, remarking that drilling tests in In-Salah “will end very soon.” 

At the same time, the Algerian politician did not rule out future shale plans.

“If the exploitation of these new national hydrocarbon resources proves to be necessary for the energy security of the country in the long terms, the Government will ensure the respect of the law by the involved operators for the protection of the population health and the environment.”

Sonatrach executed drilling tests at the two pilot wells of Ahnet (In-Salah).